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LAWRENCE’S 


Farmer's  and  Grazier's  Guide. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from  _ - 
University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/completecattlekeOOIawr 


THE 


COMPLETE  CATTLE-KEEPER, 

OR, 

FARMER’S  AND  GRAZIER’S 

GUIDE 

In  the  Choice  and  Management  of 

NEAT  CATTLE  AND  SHEEP; 

INCLUDING 

USEFUL  OBSERVATIONS  AND  SUGGESTIONS 

RELATIVE  TO  THE 

COMPARATIVE  VALUE  OF  THE  VARIOUS  BREEDS ; 

AND  ON  THE 

INJURIOUS  EFFECTS  RESULTING  FROM  IMPROPER 
FOOD  AND  IMPURE  WATER. 

HINTS  TO  DAXRYHEEN, 

ON  THE 

BEST  CONSTRUCTION  OF  THE  COW-HOUSE,  OR  STABLE  ; 
AND  ON  THE  MANAGEMENT  OF  MILCH  COWS. 

A DESCRIPTION  OF  THE 

Kntevnal  structure  ot  ncut  cattle, 

AND  OF  THEIR  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

THE  DISEASES  TO  WHICH  CATTLE  ARE  SUBJECT, 

IN  WHICH 

The  causes  are  pointed  out^  the  symptoms  described^  and  ap- 
proved methods  of  cure  given. 

THE  PROPER  TREATMENT  OF  CALVES  AND  LAMBS. 

AND  EVERY  OTHER  NECESSARY  INFORMATION. 

BY  B.  LAWRENCE. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

E.  L.  CAREY  AND  A.  HART. 

CARTER  & HENDEE,  BOSTON. — J.  & C.  & H.  CARVILLf  AND  COLLINS 

& HANNAY,  NEW  YORK. — W.  & J.  NEAL,  BALTIMORE. 

THOMPSON  & HOMANS,  WASHINGTON. 


1832. 


CONTENTS 


Pago 

Abortion,  causes  of,  and  prevention  66,  76 

Butter,  effect  of  soil  upon  the  quality  of  19 

Bulling,  inordinate  desire  for,  how  prevented  77 

Bruises,  external,  remedies  for  I5l 

Cattle,  proportion  of  land  allotted  to  24 

Calves,  directions  for  the  management  of  78 

diseases  to  which  subject,  their  causes,  symptoms, 

and  cure  83 — 94 

dry  lodging,  and  cleanliness  essential  to  81,  82 

treatment  of  by  the  cow  when  first  born  78 

' in  summer  and  winter  80 

for  rearing  80 

to  open  and  cleanse  the  bowels  of  79 

Calving,  management  of  the  cow  at  the^period  of  63 

symptoms  of,  and  treatment  in  66 

natural  presentation  of  the  calf  66 

assistance  in,  when  necessary  67 

management  of  the  cow,  at  delivery  68 

after-birth,  and  cleansing,  cautions  relative  to  68 

heating  drenches,  injurious  67,  69 

wrong  presentation,  what  aid  then  required  72 

assistance  and  medicines,  when  necessary  71 

navel-string,  treatment  of  74 

falling-down  of  the  calf-bed  74 

swelled  udder,  how  prevented  66,  94 

abortion,  or  slipping  of  the  calf,  causes  of  ’^6 

prevention  of  77 

Cow,  annual  produce  from  ' 13 

profitable  in  all  respects  13 

at  what  age  best  adapted  for  the  pail  18 

sudden  change  of  food  injurious  to  18,  39 

proper  treatment  and  food  of  19 

treatment  of,  when  brought  from  a distance  20 

injurious  effects  of  forcing  milk  in  27 

over  feeding,  cause  of  difficult  labour,  and  death  28 

summer  treatment  and  food  30,  47 

a liberal  supply  of  food  essential  30,  44 

instance  and. injury  of  contrary  practice  39,  44 

injurious  effects  of  heated  green  food,  or  husks  of  grain  33 
stinging  of  flies,  and  heat,  injurious  37 

gentle  exercise,  essential  37 


}98 


4 


CONTENTS. 


Page 

Cow,  confinement  injurious  48 

common  food,  how  to  be  assisted  31 

winter  feeding  and  treatment  ' 50 

exposure  to  damp  cold  nights  injurious  53 

dry  lodging,  essential  54 

cleanliness,  a main  source  of  health  54 

continental  practice  in  this  respect  54 

internal  structure,  described  94 

digestive  process  in,  explained  96 

udder,  explained  and  described  97 

heat  in,  symptoms  of  64 

over-breeding,  injurious  to  64 

treatment,  while  pregnant  65 

Cow-house,  or  stable,  remarks  on  21 — 25 

necessity  of  cleanliness  in  21,  25,  54 

Dutch  and  Flemish  construction  of  22 

closeness  of,  injurious  24 

Cabbages  and  carrots,  useful  for  occasional  food  50 

Cattle,  proportion  of  land  allotted  in  Holland  to  24 

Cheese,  effect  of  soil  upon  the  quality  of  19 

Cobbett’s  mode  of  keeping  a cow  on  the  produce  of  a quarter 

of  an  acre  of  land  56 

raising  cabbages  for  food  57 

turnips  for  ditto  58 

Dairy,  choice  of  cows  for  17 


Alderney  and  Durham  breeds,  comparative  utility  of  17,  18 
general  treatment  of  cows  in 
Dairyman,  hints  to,  in  his  management  of  milch  cows 
Digesting-place  for  cattle,  a prevention  of  disease 
Digestive  system  of  neat  cattle,  described  and  explained 
Diseases  to  which  calves  are  subject ; with  the  causes,  symp- 
toms, and  cure 
Canker  in  the  mouth 
Cords 
Costiveness 

Diarrhoea,  or  dysentary 

Hoose,  or  Cough  ‘ 

Inflammatory  disorders 

prevention  of,  observations  on  the 
Disorders  to  which  neat  cattle  are  subject,  with  observations 
on  their  general  nature 
predisposition  to,  causes  of 
prevention,  remarks  on 

Diseases  which  result  from  Indigestion ; with  the|r  symp- 
toms, causes,  and  remedies 
Atrophy,  or  Consumption 
Bloody  Flux 
Chronic  Indigestion 
Clue-bound 

Diarrhoea,  or  Looseness 


43 

35 

94 

83 

91 
83 
88 
86 
90 

92 

93 

99 

100 

99 

101 

114 

106 

103 

112 

105 


CONTENTS. 


5 

Page 

Dysentery,  or  slimy  flux  106 

Fardel  bound,  or  pantas  • 112 

Flatulent  cholic,  or  gripes  113 

Jaundice  101 

Lethargy  108 

Loss  of  the  cud  110 

Moor-ill  111 

Paralysis  of  the  stomach  108 

Scouring  rot  106 

Stranguary,  or  stoppage  of  water  113 

Staggers,  or  Vertigo  108 

Swimming  of  the  head  108 

Urine,  retention  of  113 

Wood-ill,  or  evil  111 

Yellows  101 

Diseases  which  arise  from  over-feeding — 

Blown,  or  blast  11*7 

Choking  118 

Fog  sickness  119 

Hoven  117 

Meadow  sickness  120 

Precautions,  by  observing  which,  most  diseases  re- 
sulting from  over-feeding,  may  be  prevented  121 

Diseases  which  proceed  from  repletion  of  blood — 

Abscess  of  the  Udder  127 

Blain,  with  swelling  128 

Black  water  122 

Downfal  of  the  udder  124 

Fever,  with  swelling  128 

Inflammation  of  the  udder  124 

womb  129 

Milk,  or  puerperal  fever  ' 129 

Murrain,  or  pestilential  fever  132 

- common  fever  . 135 

After-treatment,  or  eradication  of  disease  136 

Sore  udders  124 

Red  water  122 

Udder-ill  124 

Disorders,  inflammatory — 

Black  leg,  or  black  quarter  149 

Catarrh,  or  cold  • 139 

Cancer  of  the  eye  148 

Distemper,  or  Influenza  139 

Epidemic  fever  139 

Fellon  139 

Inflammation  of  the  brain  136 

bowels  144 

eye  147 

heart  142 

kidneys  143 

A 2 


6 


CONTENTS. 


Inflammation  of  the  liver  145 

lun^  138 

milt  146 

shape  146 

spleen  146 

stomach  138 

womb  146 

Mad  staggers  130 

Phrenzy  13g 

Pleurisy  I33 

Peripneumony  I33 

Quarter-ill  I49 

Shoot  of  blood  149 

Diseases,  external,  wounds,  and  bruises — 

Angle-berries,  or  worts  160 

Bruises  I55 

Chronic  rheumatism  151 

Chine-fellon  156 

Cancerous  ulcers  I59 

Foul  in  the  foot  I55 

Joint  fellon  151 

Joint  Yellows  152 

Locked  Jaw  158 

Lice  in  cattle  161 

Mange  I57 

Sore  teats  161 

Strains  I55 

Tail  rot  . 152 

Warbles,  worms,  &c.  158 

Wounds  ' 153 

Diseases,  Miscellaneous — 

Bull-burnt  164 

Bites  of  venomous  reptiles  163 

Cow  pock  . * 165 

Poisons  162 

Disease,  concluding  remarks  on  167 

Diseases  to  which  lambs  are  subject,  with  their  causes, 

symptoms,  and  remedies  174 

Costiveness  177 

Diarrhoea,  or  excessive  looseness  175 

Staggers  . 177 

Diseases  to  which  sheep  are  subject,  with  their  causes, 

symptoms,  and  remedies  178 

predisposing  and  exciting  causes  of  179 

prevention  of  179  * 

Blindness  , 198 

Blast,  or  bursting  • 183 

Catarrh,  or  cold  184 

Debility,  and  indigestion  199 

Diarrhoea,  or  scouring  200 


CONTENTS. 


7 

Page 

Diseased  eyes  19q 

Foot  halt  196 

Foot  rot  196 

Fly,  to  prevent  193 

Giddiness  ^ 181 

Goggles  " 185 

Gargut,  resp,  or  blood  180 

Hydrocephalus  181 

Inflammation  200 

of  the  udder  201 

Lice,  or  tick,  to  prqyent  192 

Maggots  195 

Red  water  179 

Rot  186 

Scab,  or  ray  190 

Sore  heads  " 194 

Yellows  185 

Wounds  197 

Fodder,  best  situation  of  stores  for  25 

general  remarks  on  26 

Food  most  conducive  to  increase  of  milk  27 

improper,  a cause  of  difficult  labour  28 

mangel-wurzel,  effects  of  feeding  upon  28,  29 

produce  of  two  cows,  fed  on  ditto  and  hay  29 

consequence  of  over-feeding  upon  30 

different  kinds  of,  described  32 

substitutes  for,  in  times  of  scarcity  32,  33 

observations  on  roots,  when  given  for  food  33 

steamed,  preferred  on  the  continent  33 

green,  and  heated,  injurious  33,  34 

steamed  straw,  an  excellent  substitute  for  33 

pofatoes  ditto  ditto  34 

green,  best  period  for  cutting  36 

dry,  and  mouldy,  or  dusty,  injurious  37 

occasional  substitutes  for  38 

valuable  substitute  in  time  of  scarcity  39 

summer  feeding,  remarks  on  47 

winter  ditto  ditto  50 

Garden  produce,  useful  for  feeding  cattle  48 

General  observations  on  neat  cattle  13 

Grass,  artificial  kind,  why  productive  of  disease  34 

second  crop  of,  preferable  37 

when  most  fit  for  cutting  36 

fresh  springing  productive  of  milk  37 

economical  management  of  47 

Grain,  its  effects  on  the  animal  system  47 

bruised,  useful  to  pregnant  cows  65 

Harley’s  (Mr.)  dairy  at  Glasgow  14 

Heifers,  at  what  age  fit  for  breeding  99 

Lambing  season,  observations  on  the  175 


8 


CONTENTS. 


Page 

Lambing,  fold-yard,  essential  in  172 

treatment  of  the  ewe  in  172 

injury  from  delivery,  remedy  for  173 

Lambs,  diseases  to  which  they  are  subject  174 

Manure,  Dutch  method  of  economising  22 

Milch  cows,  in  and  about  London  50 

general  mode  of  keeping  ditto  50 

Islington  cow-keeper’s  practice  described  52 

injurious  effects  of  damp  air  on  53 

proper  periods  for  milking  55 

to  dry  of  her  milk  ^ 166 

Neat  cattle,  general  observations  on  13 

uses  to  which  their  various  parts  are  applied  14 

for  stock,  of  the  choice  of  15 

soundness  of  issue,  on  what  dependent  16 
their  age,  how  found  by  the  teeth  16 

horns  17 

proper  treatment  and  food  of  19 

exercise  essential  to  the  health  of  20 

unlimited  quantity  of  food,  injurious  to  20 

how  inured  to  a change  of  food  20 

necessity  of  dressing  and  cleaning  of  25 

subject  to  blast,  or  hoven,  from  what  cause  34 

proneness  to  over-feeding  in  34 

should  not  feed  on  grass  while  dew  is  on  it  36 

internal  structure  of,  described  94 

disorders  to  which  they  are  subject;  with  their 

causes,  symptcuns,  and  methods  of  cure  99 

Oats,  why  injurious,  and  when  they  may  be  given  with  ad- 
vantage 45 

particularly  useful  to  pregnant  cows  • 65 

singular  instance  of  the  effects  of  unbruised  oats  45 

recipe  for  the  cure  of  the  disease  produced  thereby  46 

Oil  cake,  bad  effects  of  feeding  on  50 

Potatoes,  steamed,  an  excellent  article  for  cattle  feed  34 

effects  of,  when  improperly  given  50 

Recipe  No.  1,  opening  drench,  for  cows  46 

2,  restorative^drink,  ditto  . 74 

3,  strengthening  do.  ditto  76 

4,  purging  do.  ditto  77 

5,  strengthening  do.,  ditto  77 

6,  ditto  do.  ditto  78 

7,  cleansing  mixture,  for  a young  calf  79 

8,  solution  of  potash,  to  make  84 

9,  opening  draught  for  a young  calf  85 


10,  cordial  drink, 

for  a calf 

85 

1 1,  astringent  do. 

ditto 

86 

12,  ditto  do. 

ditto 

87 

13,  ditto  do. 

ditto 

87 

14,  ditto  do. 

ditto 

87 

CONTENTS. 

9 

Page 

15,  ditto  do.  ditto 

87 

16,  purgative  drink  ditto 

88 

clyster  for  a calf 

89 

17,  purgative  drench  ditto 

€ 

89 

18,^opening  do 

89 

19,  cordial  drink  ditto 

90 

20,  cough  ball  ditto 

91 

21,  purgative  drink  ditto 

91 

22,  opening  drench  ditto 

91 

23,  canker  mixture  ditto 

92 

24,  saline  draught  ditto 

93 

25,  opening  clyster  ditto 

93 

26,  opening  drench  for  neat  cattle 

102 

anodyne  carminitive  tincture,  to  make 

102 

27,  stomachic  drink  for  neat  cattle 

103 

28,  purgative  draught 

ditto 

104 

29,  ditto  do. 

ditto 

104 

30,  clyster 

ditto 

J05 

31,  opening  drench 

ditto 

106 

32,  cordial  do. 

ditto 

106 

33,  opening  do. 

ditto 

108 

34,  astringent  do. 

ditto 

108 

35,  opening  do. 

ditto 

109 

36,  clyster 

ditto 

110 

37,  diuretic  draught 

ditto 

110 

38,  opening  drench 

ditto 

111 

39,  stomachic  drink 

ditto 

.112 

40,  ditto 

ditto 

112 

41,  restorative' drink 

ditto 

113 

42,  opening  do. 

ditto 

114 

42,  gentle  opening  do. 

ditto 

115 

43,  cordial  drink 

ditto 

118 

44,  opening  drench 

ditto 

120 

45,  ditto 

ditto 

121 

46,  ditto 

ditto 

121 

47,  saline  drench 

ditto 

123 

48,  ditto 

ditto 

123 

49,  astringent  ball 

ditto 

124 

50,  embrocation 

ditto 

126 

51,  ditto 

ditto 

126 

52,  purging  drink 

ditto 

126 

53,  cooling  ditto 

ditto 

129 

54,  clyster 

ditto 

130 

55,  cordial  drink 

ditto 

130 

Gruel,  to  make 

131 

56,  antiseptic  drink  for  neat  cattle 

134 

Fumigating  mixture,  to  make 

136 

57,  purgative  drench  for  neat  cattle 

137 

58,  ditto 

139 

59,  cordial  drink 

ditto 

140 

10 


CONTENTS, 


60,  saline  opening  drench 

ditto 

Page 

142 

61,  ditto 

ditto 

142 

62,  clyster 

ditto 

145 

63,  lotion 

ditto 

147 

64,  injection 

ditto 

147 

65,  eye  lotion 

ditto 

148 

66,  eye  ointment 

ditto 

149 

67,  saline  drought 

ditto 

150 

68,  embrocation 

ditto 

151 

69,  ditto 

ditto 

155 

70,  digestive  ointment 

ditto 

155 

71,  saline  purgative  draught  ditto 

156 

72,  ointment 

ditto 

157 

73,  ditto 

ditto 

157 

74,  restorative  drink 

ditto 

158 

75,  black  oil 

ditto 

158 

76,  ointment  mixture 

ditto 

159 

77,  ointment  • 

ditto 

160 

78,  linament 

ditto 

161 

79,  lotion 

ditto 

162 

80,  antidotal  drink 

ditto 

163 

81,  linament 

ditto 

163 

82,  fomentation 

ditto 

164 

83,  lotion 

ditto 

165 

84,  powerful  lotion 

ditto 

165 

85,  cooling  do. 

ditto 

166 

86,  drying  milk  mixture 

ditto 

167 

87,  ditto  ditto 

ditto 

167 

88,  oils  for  wounds  in  sheep 

89,  stomachic  drink  ditto 

90,  gruel  for  ewes 

91,  cordial  drink  for  ditto 

92,  astringent  draught  for  lambs 

93,  purgative  ditto  for  ewes 

94,  astringent  ditto  for  lambs 

95,  gentle  purgative  do.  ditto 

96,  cordial  drink  ditto 

97,  purgative  do.  ditto 

98,  stomachic  ball  ditto 

99,  purgative  drink  for  sheep 

99,  ditto  ditto 

100,  ditto  ditto 

101,  ditto  ditto 

102,  mild  ditto  ditto 

103,  mixture  for  the  rot  ditto 

104,  ditto  ditto 

105,  ointment  for  ditto 

106,  fly-powder  ditto 

107,  ditto  ditto 

JP8,  ointment  for  sore  heads,  ditto 


172 

173 

173 

174 

175 

176 
176 

176 

177 

178 
178 
180 
181 
182 
184 
186 

189 

190 

191 

193 

194 
194 


CONTENTS.  11 

. l^age 

Recipe  No.  109,  mercurial  ointment  ditto  196 

110,  powder  for  foot  rot  ditto  197 

111,  wound  mixture  ditto  198 

112,  purgative  drink  ditto  199 

113,  eye-powder  ditto  199 

1 14,  opening  draught  ditto  200 

115,  astringent  drink  ditto.  200 

116,  oil  for  sore  ulcers  ditto  201 

Sow,  one  to  be  kept  to  every  cow  14 

Sheep,  quantity  kept  on  a given  space  of  land  24 

general  observations  on  169 

to  ascertain  the  origin  of  diseases  in  169 

bleeding,  directions  relative  to  179 

diseases  to  which  they  are  subject  178 

Turnips,  generally,  productive  of  thin  poor  milk  52 

Cobbett’s  directions  for  growth  and  management  of  58 
Udder,  treatment  of,  when  swelled  26 

Water,  remarks  on  its  effects  on  neat  cattle  40 

superabundance,  a cause  of  disease  40 

impure,  a cause  of  abortion  40 

directions  for  proper  management  of  41 

impure,  instances  of  injury  from  the  use  of  41,  49 

from  ponds  surrounded  by  trees,  injurious  42 

to  improve  by  blanching  42 

Wounds,  see  bruises,  external  151 


THE 


FARMER’S  AND  GRAZIER’S 

Complete  Guide. 


NEAT  CATTLE. 


GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  bull,  the  cow,  and  the  ox,  animals  all  included  In, 
and  designated  by,  the  general  term  of  neat  cattle, 
form  an  essential  and  important  part  of  every  farmer’s 
live  stock ; and,  under  good  and  careful  management, 
contribute  very  materially  to  increase  his  comforts, 
and  assist  him  in  his  means  of  wealth.  Indeed,  if  we 
consider  their  very  great  utility,  and  the  wonderful  va- 
riety of  productions  these  valuable  animals  contribute 
towards  the  support  of  mankind,  we  must  certainly 
rank  them  among  the  most  useful  of  the  creation.  A 
single  cow,  for  instance,  will,  in  the  course  of  a season, 
yield  so  much  milk,  that  two  hundred  pounds  of  butter 
may  be  obtained  therefrom ; and  if  to  this  be  added 
the  cheese,  which  several  of  our  countries  are  so  famed 
for  producing,  we  have  two  important  articles  of  hu- 
man sustenance,  from  the  superabundance  of  milk 
which  these  animals  are  capable  of  yielding.  Cows, 
indeed,  are  profitable  in  all  respects,  not  only  in  the 
present  produce,  but  in  their  rearing  calves,  and  in 

B 


14 


farmer’s  and  GRA2IEr’s 


fetching  nearly  their,  first  cost,  when  age  requires  that 
they  should  be  fattened  for  the  market. 

In  a moderate  establishment,  where  several  cows 
are  kept,  it  will  be  found  that,  after  supplying  the 
family,  the  surplus  butter  and  cheese  will  always  pay 
the  expences  of  keep,  and  leave  a something  towards 
paying  the  first  cost ; so  as  ultimately  to  make  the  fat- 
tening of  the  animal,  when  no  longer  serviceable  for 
the  dairy,  an  object  of  actual  profit. 

In  Mr.  Harley’s  dairy,  at  Glasgow,  in  which  ninety- 
six  cows  were  kept,  a large  stock  of  pigs  were  also 
maintained  on  the  waste  milk  and  washings;  and 
twenty  roasters  were  selected  from  them  every  Wed- 
nesday, and  sold,  generally  at  half  a-guinea  each. 
Indeed,  it  is  necessary  that  at  least  one  sow  should  be 
kept  to  every  cow,  as  the  dairy  always  affords  skim- 
milk,  buttermilk,  whey,  and  other  washings,  sufficient 
for  her  maintenance. 

If  the  bull  and  the  ox  do  not  equal  the  cow  in  their 
produce  while  living,  they  put  in  a very  considerable 
claim  for  their  share  of  general  usefulness,  as  beasts  of 
draught,  at  least  for  agricultural  purposes,  particularly 
in  drawing  the  wain,  or  assisting  at  the  plough ; they 
are  equally  serviceable  and  more  enduring  than  (he 
horse,  and,  after  passing  as  much  of  their  lives  in  the 
service  of  their  owners  as  may  be  considered  useful  or 
necessary,  they  are  fattened  for  the  market,  and  sup- 
ply our  table  with  a most  substantial  article  of  food. 

There  is,  in  fact,  scarcely  a particle  of  these  ani- 
mals, but  what  is  applied  to  some  useful  purpose ; even 
the  blood  is  of  service : the  butcher  uses  it  to  feed 
swine ; the  chemist  employs  it  in  the.  preparation  of 
Prussian  blue ; the  refiner  in  purifying  his  sugar  ; and 
the  farmer  for  manuring  his  land.  Their  fat  is  con- 
verted into  tallow,  and  made  into  candles ; their  hides, 
tanned  and  curried,  make  leather  of  the  best  and 
strongest  kind  ; their  hair  improves  and  adds  to  the 
durability  of  the  cement  of  which  the  walls  and  ceil- 
ings of  our  dwellings  are  covered,  and  their  horns  are 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


15 


made  into  combs,  handles  for  knives,  and  a variety  of 
toys.  Their  bones,  a cheap  substitute  for  ivory,  are, 
by  the  mechanics  of  large  towns,  manufactured  into  a 
great  number  of  useful  articles  ; considerable  quantities 
are  also  converted  into  ivory  black,  or  are  ground,  and 
used  as  a most  excellent  manure;  and,  lastly,  tlie  flesh 
of  these  noble  and  useful  animals  forms,  in  their  infan- 
cy, one  of  the  most  tender  and  delicious,  and  in  their 
more  mature  years  the  best  and  most  substantial  dishes, 
that  ever  graced  the  table  either  of  the  prince  or  the 
peasant. 

Of  the  choice  of  neat  cattle  for  stock. 

In  selecting  neat  cattle  for  stock,  two  important  con- 
siderations should  invariably  be  kept  in  mind; — the 
first  is,  the  health  and  soundness  of  the  stock  from 
which  they  are  purchased ; and,  secondly,  the  nature 
and  quality  of  the  soil  upon  the  produce  of  which  it  is 
intended  to  feed  them  ; for  unless  these  harmonize  in 
some  degree,  it  will  be  useless  to  expect  that  certain 
advantage  from  their  possession  which  a more  prudent 
foresight  would  have  rendered  little  less  than  secure. 

For  this  purpose,  it  is  essential  that  stock,  whether 
for  breeding,  for  the  dairy,  or  for  the  shambles,  should 
be  selected,  not  from  a chance  collection  at  a market 
or  a fair,  but  from  a breed  of  which  you  either  know, 
or  can  ascertain,  every  particular,  not  only  as  to  the 
stock  from  which  they  were  bred,  but  also  as  to  the  man- 
ner in  which  they  have  been  reared,  the  nature  of  the 
food  upon  which  they  were  sustained  ; and  last,  though 
not  least,  the  diseases  to  which  they  or  the  breed  from 
which  they  were  produced  are  or  have  been  subject. 
This  latter  consideration  is  particularly  important ; for 
if  they  are  much  subject  to  disease,  arising  from  con- 
stitutional rather  than  accidental  circumstances,  you 
will  do  better  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  them  ; but  if 
their  diseases  be  rather  occasional  than  periodical,  and 
resulting  merely  from  improper  food,  poorness  of  living, 


16 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


or  unhealthy  situations,  you  may  hope  by  a better 
mode  of  treatment  to  restore  them  lo  their  best  state 
of  condition,  and  improve  them  in  the  breed. 

To  atibrd  fair  prospects  of  a healthy  stock,  neat  cat- 
tle ought  to  be  bred  from  cows  of  a good  make  and 
shape ; the  bull  should  also  be  of  the  same  description ; 
indeed  it  is  considered  that  the  soundness  of  the  issue 
depends  more  upon  the  male  than  the  female. 

Much  has  been  written,  and,  perhaps,  much  more 
said,  as  to  what  breeds  are  the  best ; and  a considera- 
bly greater  stress  has  been  laid  on  this  part  of  the 
question,  than  is  borne  out  by  any  positive  result ; there 
are  good  and  bad  of  all  kinds ; and  provided  you  select 
sound  and  healthy  animals  from  warranted  stock,  you 
will,  if  you  treat  them  properly,  have  little  to  care  for, 
and  less  to  fear. 

Always  purchase  cattle  that  have  been  fed  on  lands 
of  a poorer  quality  than  your  own;  but  you  must  not 
"too  suddenly  put  them  to  the  richer  food,  or  they  will 
be  liable  to  several  dangerous  diseases  ; it  rarely  hap- 
pens, however,  that  cattle,  purchased  from  rich  lands 
thrive  well  on  poor  soils ; but  on  the  contrary,  those 
from  poorer  farms  do  well  on  good  land. — The  choice 
of  neat  cattle,  therefore,  for  the  stocking  of  farms, 
must,  in  a great  degree,  be  regulated  by  the  nature 
and  quality  of  the  soil  intended  to  feed  them  on. 

It  is  also  essential  that  the  cattle  should  be  young, 
as  well  as  healthy  and  of  sound  constitution ; for  the 
younger  they  are,  the  more  likely  they  will  be  to  do 
service  ; their  age  may  easily  be  known  by  the  teeth  : 
like  sheep,  they  have  no  fore  teeth  in  the  upper  jaw  ; 
it  is  the  lower,  therefore,  by  which  this  must  be  de- 
termined : the  horns  also  afford  some  guide  in  this  re- 
spect. 

The  eight  fore  teeth  of  the  lower  jaw  are  shed,  and 
replaced  by  others  which  continue  throughout  life  : the 
two  middle  fore  teeth  fall  out  at  about  two  years  old, 
and  are  succeeded  by  others  not  so  white.  At  three 
years  old,  they  have  two  more,  next  to  those  of  the 


COMPLETE  GUIDE, 


17 


previous  year ; and  thus,  by  the  two  succeeding  years 
all  the  fore  teeth  are  renewed  ; they  are  then  termed 
full-mouthed  I ^ and  are  five  years  old.  At  the  sixth 
year  the  row  is  even,  the  last  two  being  completely 
up.  Besides  these,  they  have  ten  grinders  in  each 
jaw. 

At  the  age  of  three  years,  the  horns  are  smooth 
and  even;  in  the  course  of  the  fourth  year  a wrinkle 
or  circle  forms  round  the  basis  of  the  horn,  near  the 
head ; this  is  every  year  succeeded  by  another,  which 
always  seems  to  move  the  other  forward.  At  looking 
therefore  at  the  horns  of  neat  cattle,  if  the  first  circle 
be  considered  as  tliree  years,  it  will  be  an  easy  task  to 
tell  the  age  of  the  beast  at  any  subsequent  period.  An 
implicit  reliance  cannot,  however,  be  placed  on  these 
marks,  particularly  in  purchasing  of  strangers,  or  cow- 
jobbers,  such  persons  having  been  known  to  file  down 
some  of  the  animaPs  teeth,  and  alter  the  appearance 
of  the  horns  so  as  to  give  them  the  semblance  and 
marks  of  young  cattle  of  the  most  valuable  breeds,  and 
pass  them  off  as  such  to  strangers. 

Of  the  choice  of  cows  for  the  dairy. 

Jn  selecting  cows  for  the  dairy,  the  previous  remarks 
will  be  found  particularly  applicable ; it  will  therefore 
be  superfluous  to  recapitulate  what  we  have  there 
said  ; but  the  purchaser  will  do  well  to  be  careful  that 
the  cows  he  selects  are  of  a tolerable  size,  young,  and 
of  a form  and  disposition  adapted  for  fattening — a use 
to  which  they  must  of  course  be  put  when  no  longer 
servicable  for  the  pail.  By  many  the  Alderney  breed 
are  preferred,  on  account  of  the  richness  and  quantity 
of  the  milk  they  produce;  but  if  their  high  cost  as 
milch  cows,  and  their  low  price  with  the  butcher  when 
done  with,  are  taken  into  the  account,  they  will  not 
ultimately  prove  of  so  much  advantage  as  has  been 
generally  supposed ; although,  all  things  considered, 
they  may  perhaps  be  best  for  a private  family.  The 

B 2 


18 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


use  to  which  the  milk  is  intended  to  be  put,  is  the  cri- 
terion which  should  decide  the  choice — the  milk  of  some 
cows  abounds  with  the  oily  principle,  or  that  of  cream, 
much  more  than  others  ; if  butter  therefore  be  the  ob- 
ject, these  are  decidedly  preferable  ; but  if  cheese  be 
more  worth  attention,  the  choice  should  be  given  to 
that  kind,  the  milk  of  which  produces  the  curdy  prin- 
ciple in  the  greatest  quantity.  Near  large  towns,  and 
particularly  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Metropolis,  where  the 
milk  itself  is  a very  important  object,  the  preference 
is  given  to  the  Durham  breed,  not  only  because  they 
are  good  milkers,  but  as  being  generally  of  good  size, 
mild  temper,  and  easily  fattened  when  age  renders 
them  useless  in  the  dairy. 

The  particular  age  at  which  cows  should  be  pur- 
chased, has  been  repeatedly  asked.  If  we  take  the 
opinions  of  the  best  informed  writers  on  the  subject, 
founded  on  the  practice  of  the  most  successful  dairy- 
men, we  should  say,  not  younger  than  three,  nor  older 
than  five,  years : It  is  too  generally  the  practice  to  put 
cows  to  the  bull  too  young  ; this  weakens  the  constitu- 
tion, not  only  of  the  cow  herself,  but  also  of  her  proge- 
ny ; and  although  they  may  be  brought  earlier  to  the 
pail  by  this  plan,  it  is  certain  that  it  produces  a prema- 
ture maturity,  and  the  animal  becomes  not  only  more 
subject  to  disease,  but  its  productive  ability  necessarily 
is  much  sooner  exhausted  ; in  the  end,  then,  it  will  be 
found  to  prove  a loss  rather  than  a gain. 

If  the  situation  of  the  farm  be  cold  and  exposed,  it  will 
be  essential  that  the  cows  should  be  such  as  are  inured 
to  the  place ; and  it  would  be  advisable  to  preserve  or 
keep  up  the  stock  by  breeding ; but  if  the  farm  is  in  a 
southern  or  more  sheltered  situation,  and  the  pasture 
forward  and  abundant,  great  care  will  be  necessary 
where  cattle  is  brought  from  a colder  or  less  productive 
situation  into  luxuriant  pastures.  Change  of  food,  par- 
ticularly of  pasturage,  has  a great  effect  on  neat  cattle  ; 
and  when  suddenly  made,  is  often  productive  of  very 
serious  consequences.  They  should  first  be  put  into 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


19 


situations  the  most  like  that  from  which  they  have 
been  taken;  if  from  better  pasture,  into  the  best  you 
have ; but  if  from  poorer,  into  the  worst  and  barest 
parts  of  the  farm  ; and  after  a sufficient  time  has  been 
allowed  to  adapt  the  constitution  to  the  change,  they 
may  be  gradually  removed  into  the  pasture  in  which 
it  is  intended  they  shall  remain. 

Of  the  proper  treatment  and food  of  neat  cattle  ge- 
nerally^ and  of  cows  in  particular. 

The  profit  and  advantage  that  are  to  be  derived 
from  the  keeping  of  neat  cattle,  or  from  the  produce  of 
the  dairy,  depend  greatly  on  their  treatment  and  man- 
agement. Soil  has  a sensible  effect  on  the  quality  of 
the  pasturage,  and  this  also  operates  similarly  on  the 
animals  which  graze  thereon.  In  Exeter,  the  butter  is 
excellent,  but  the  cheese  the  worst  in  the  kingdom ; 
while  in  Somersetshire  the  reverse  is  the  case ; — the 
cheese  there  manufactured  is  of  a very  superior  quali- 
ty while  the  butter  is  uniformly  indifferent  or  bad.  The 
richness  of  the  butter  made  in  Scotland,  is  generally 
attributed  to  the  cows  feeding  upon  the  sweet  and 
short  pasture  in  the  glens ; the  soils  of  other  parts  of 
the  kingdom  have  also  a similar  effect  on  the  animals 
fed  thereon ; but,  generally  speaking,  old  pastures  are 
the  best ; new  laid  ones  being  often  productive  of  dis- 
ease. 

In  natural  pastures,  there  is  usually  a sufficient  va- 
riety of  good  herbage ; and  if  the  animal  be  allowed  to 
rove  about,  it  will  select  such  only  as  instinct  points  out 
to  be  proper,  or  agreeable  to  its  palate;  and  in  doing 
this  uses  such  a degree  of  exercise  as  is  conducive  to 
health  and  perfect  digestion.  This  is  almost  invariably 
the  case  where  the  animals  are  inured  to  the  soil  and 
climate;  but  when  the  farmer  or  dairyman  is  obliged 
to  have  recourse  to  artificial  food  and  confinement,  the 
animal  becomes  essentially  different : an  unlimited 
quantity  of  food  is  a temptation  which  few  animals  can 


20 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


withstand ; and  when  it  is  not  accompanied  with  a due 
portion  of  exercise  often  proves  of  bad,  if  not  of  fatal 
consequences.  It  is  a fact,  equally  applicable  to  the 
brute,  as  it  is  disgraceful  to  the  human  being,  that  where 
the  inordinate  appetite  for  food  is  indulged,  an  inclina- 
tion or  sensation  of  thirst,  is  invariably  felt ; and  that 
by  freelv  indulging  in  either  extreme,  a capability  for 
extension  of  appetite  is  ingendered,  which  soon  paraly- 
zes the  powers  of  the  digestive  system,  and  produces  a 
train  of  disorders  injurious  to  the  whole  animal  economy 
in  their  existence,  and  totally  destructive  in  their  effects. 

When  neat  cattle,  but  particularly  cow^s,  are  brought 
from  a distant  county  to  the  farm  or  dairy,  they  will 
require  particular  care  and  attention  until  accustomed 
to  the  soil,  food,  and  other  local  circumstances  connected 
with  their  new  residence.  If  they  have  travelled  far, 
they  should,  at  first,  be  put  into  the  stable,  or  cow-house, 
and  allowed  a large  quantity  of  litter,  but  must  be  taken 
out  of  the  stable  several  times  a day,  for  the  benefit  of 
fresh  air.  They  should  also  be  well  rubbed  and  brush- 
ed all  over  the  body,  particularly  about  the  joints  ; and 
if  they  seem  fatigued,  their  legs  may  be  rolled  in  ban- 
dages kept  wet  with  warm  water,  in  which  a little 
vinegar  has  been  mixed. 

They  must  not  be  put  too  quickly  upon  any  particu- 
lar diet ; but  gradually  inured  to  that  system  of  feed- 
ing which  it  is  intended  they  shall  follow.  At  first, 
food  that  is  easy  of  digestion,  is  decidedly  the  best ; and 
if  cooked,  it  will  be  belter  still.  Too  much  must  not 
be  given  at  any  one  time ; let  them  have  it  in  small 
quantities,  and  frequently.  The  water  which  they 
drink  should,  at  first,  have  the  raw  chill  taken  off,  and 
a little  bran  or  meal  may  be  put  into  it,  together  with 
a small  quantity  of  salt. 

If  either  of  the  cow’^s  should  be  near  calving,  let  her 
be  bled,  but  not  too  profusely ; this  will  render  her 
calving  more  easy,  and  less  liable  to  accident. 

To  render  this  important  part  of  our  subject  clear 


COMPLETE  GUIDTO. 


21 


and  distinct,  we  shall  divide  it  into  the  following  gene- 
ral divisions — 

I.  The  cow  house,  or  stable. 

If.  The  necessity  of  dressing  and  cleaning. 

III.  Foddering,  or  feeding. 

IV.  Water. 

1. — Of  the  cow-house^  or  stable. 

The  most  healthy  stables  are  those  which  are  open 
to  the  east,  or  have  an  easterr)  aspect,  and  are  built  on 
a dry  and  elevated  situation.  It  is  a coirmion  practice 
to  build  them  too  close ; and  it  is  an  equally  erroneous 
opinion,  that  cold  is  injurious  to  cows,  or  that  they 
should  be  carefully  guarded  against  it:  this  opinion  is 
productive  of  many  of  the  worst  disorders  with  which 
they  are  afflicted.  The  cow-house  is,  in  general,  not 
only  very  low,  and  with  narrow  openings,  but  it  is  also 
shut  up  closely  as  possible,  if  the  weather  happen  to 
be  a little  severer  than  usual.  A more  pernicious  or 
more  fatal  practice  can  scarcely  be  conceived.  Expe* 
rience  has  proved  that  cows  kept  in  the  open  air,  with- 
out the  slightest  shelter,  suffer  but  little  inconvenience, 
except  in  damp  or  wet  weather;  it  is  better,  no  doubt, 
to  keep  them  in  a more  sheltered  situation ; but  the 

STABLE  SHOULD  NEVER  BE  COMPLETELY  CLOSED  UP,  HOW- 
EVER COLD  THE  WEATHER  MAY  BE,  although  it  is  desir- 
able that  strong  draughts  of  cold  or  damp  air  should  be 
guarded  against,  especially  in  winter.  It  may  be  held 
as  a general  rule,  that  the  stable  is  too  close,  when,  on 
entering,  the  breath  is  affected,  or  any  smell  of  urine 
can  be  perceived. 

If  it  be  important  to  keep  cow-houses  or  cattle  sta- 
bles well  ventilated,  it  is  no  less  so  to  keep  them  clean. 
Dung,  if  left  therein,  soon  renders  the  air  unwholesome, 
and  engenders  a train  of  putrid  disorders. — Cows  in  a 
stable  should  not  be  too  close — a square  space  of  six 
feet  each  way  should  be  allowed  to  each  cow.  Two 
or  three  ventilators  near  the  ground  on  the  north  side, 


22 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


affords,  at  a trifling  expense,  an  excellent  way  of  re- 
newing or  sweetening  the  air  in  stables  in  the  summer 
time  ; and  on  the  south  side,  in  winter,  without  occa- 
sioning draughts ; and  these  may  be  shut  when  neces- 
sary, either  by  means  of  straw  or  otherwise.  The 
ground  of  the  cow-house  should  be  of  brick  work  or 
stone  ; with  the  sides  elevated  just  sufficient  to  cause 
it  to  drain  towards  the  middle,  where  there  should  be 
a gutter,  to  carry  off  the  urine  and  excrement,  and 
convey  them  into  a water-tight  tank,  or  at  all  events, 
into  a large  covered  hole  on  the  outside  5 and  by  no 
means,  as  is  too  frequently  the  case,  into  an  open  ditch, 
on  the  outside.  By  these  simple  means,  the  animals 
and  their  habitations  may  always  be  kept  clean  and 
sweet. 

The  Dutch  and  Flemish  cow  farmers  keep  their 
farms  in  a state  of  the  greatest  neatness ; and  by  pur- 
suing a systematic  plan,  obtain  full  three  times  us  much 
manure  as  the  English  farmers  do,  being  generally 
able  to  produce  sufficient  to  dress  the  whole  of  their 
lands  every  year. 

The  preparation  of  manure  being  very  imperfectly 
understood  in  this  country,  and  as  many  of  our  farmers 
throw  away  or  are  annoyed  by  what  is  a source  of 
wealth  to  the  Dutch  and  Flemish  farmer,  we  shall  give 
an  outline  of  the  mode  pursued. 

To  accomplish  this  important  end,  they  are  very 
careful  to  make,  at  the  back  of  their  stables  and  cat- 
tle sheds,  a large  round  hole  of  about  three  feet  deep, 
and  capacious  enough  to  contain  one  month’s  dung ; 
the  sides  and  bottoms  of  this  are  built  water  tight  of 
brick  clinkers,  or  stones.  The  floors  of  their  stables 
and  cattle-sheds  are  also  made  hard,  dry,  and  water- 
tight, with  water-tight  drains  to  lead  to  another  pit 
made  in  the  same  manner,  also  at  the  back  of  the 
shed  at  a few  yards  from,  and  of  a similar  size,  to  the 
dung-pit;  so  that  all  the  liquid  manure  necessarily  runs 
from  the  stalls  into  this  cesspool  or  tank ; — to  this  place 
also  drains  are  made  from  the  privies,  and  from  the 


COMPLETE  guide. 


S3 


sinks  in  the  kitchen  and  washhouse ; so  that  every 
drop  of  soap  suds,  wash,  and  all  dirty  and  refuse  water, 
finds  its  way  to  the  cesspool;  but  which  is  never  al- 
lowed to  run  over. 

The  fields  of  corn  stubble,  and  the  second  year’s 
grass  land,  whether  of  clover,  ray-grass,  or  sinfoil,  are 
carefully  pared  into  thin  clods : these  clods,  containing 
a proportion  of  the  roots  of  the  plants  which  have  be- 
fore been  harvested  from  them,  and  much  garden 
mould,  become  useful  auxiliaries  to  the  straw,  bean 
haulm,  and  any  other  waste  produce,  capable  of  being 
dried  for  bedding,  and  spares  the  use  of  those  materials, 
which  if  solely  applied  would  require  half  the  land  of 
the  farm  to  supply.  This  refuse,  together  with  the 
parings  of  their  lanes,  the  edges  of  their  walks,  and 
sides  of  their  hedges,  are  dried,  and  then  carried  to 
their  barns,  where  they  are  piled  in  a kind  of  stack, 
and  portions  of  it  are  carried  daily  as  it  may  be  want- 
ed for  bedding  into  the  cattle  sheds. 

The  bedding  of  the  cattle  is  made  with  fresh  clods 
every  morning  and  evening ; that  part  which  had  been 
under  the  heels  of  the  cow  is,  every  morning,  thrown 
under  her  fore  feet,  and  that  which  was  under  her  fore 
feet,  is  thrown  into  its  place ; and  fresh  clods,  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  weight,  is  added  to  the 
bedding,  and  then  straw,  or  other  dry  vegetable  pro- 
duce is  strewed  over  that; — the  same  is  also  done 
every  evening.  The  sheep  and  pigs  are  only  supplied 
with  fresh  bedding  once  a day.  The  bedding  lies  un- 
der them  seven  days  and  seven  nights,  when  the  stalls 
are  cleaned  out,  and  the  dung  conveyed  into  the  dung 
pit  at  the  back  of  the  cattle  sheds,  where  it  lies  till  it 
has  had  the  four  weeks’  dung  thrown  into  it. 

This  mass  is  thus  composed  of  portions  of  manure 
which  have  laid  in  the  dung  pit  four  weeks,  and  upon 
which  all  the  ashes  and  sweepings  of  the  house  and 
premises  are  thrown  daily.  The  reservoir,  or  tank, 
into  which  all  the  drainings  of  the  stables,  &c.  are  con- 
veyed, and  which  is  necessarily  contiguous,  is,  every 


24 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


other  day,  if  not  full  enough,  made  so  with  water,  and 
after  being  stirred  up,  is  tlirowtt  with  a scoop  over  the 
heap  of  dung.  Now^  as  tliis  heap  contains  f ur  weeks’ 
dung,  fourteen  wettings  vvith  such  rich  fermenting  li- 
quid more  than  doubles  the  value  of  the  whole  heap 
for  agricultural  purposes. 

At  the  end  of  the  fourth  week,  the  dung  hole,  or  dung 
pit,  is  emptied,  by  which  means  the  pit’s  contents  is 
again  turned  over,  and  its  most  rotten  parts  brought  to 
the  top.  It  is  now  formed  into  a heap  from  three  to  five 
feet  high,  and  carefully  covered  with  sods;  by  this 
covering,  the  heat  and  goodness  of  the  dung  is  prevented 
from  evaporating,  and  the  rain  water  is  kept  from  pen- 
etrating into  it,  which  would  otherwise  check  its  fer- 
mentation. When  the  heap  has  lain  and  fermented 
during  two  or  three  months,  it  is  carried  to  the  fields  to 
be  manured  with  it,  and  the  sods  which  covered  it  to 
keep  in  its  warmth,  are  thrown  into  the  bottom  of  the 
dung  pit,  where  they  lay  and  become  excellent  manure. 

The  quantity  of  cattle  kept  upon  most  Dutch  farms, 
is  at  the  rate  of  five  cows  or  fifty  sheep,  to  €?very  twenty 
acres  of  land  ; and  the  quantity  of  manure  produced  is 
from  ten  to  twenty  tons  per  acre,  annually. 

Pigs,  rabbits,  and  poultry,  should  also  be  kept  away 
from  the  stable  ; as  they  tend  to  make  it  very  unwhole- 
some.— The  dust  of  the  thrashing  and  winnowing  also 
will  get  into  the  stables,  if  too  close  to  the  barn  ; and, 
if  too  continually  inhaled  by  the  cows,  engender  con- 
sumption. 

We  have  said,  that  it  is  an  erroneous  opinion,  that 
cold  is  injurious  to  cows,  and  that  some  of  the  worst 
disorders  with  which  they  are  afflicted  are  attributable 
to  the  effect  produced  by  this  opinion.  This  may  ap- 
pear rather  problematical  to  dairymen,  or  to  farmers 
who  keep  cows  for  their  milk ; for  their  daily  observa- 
tion induces  the  belief,  that  the  secretion  of  mik  is  most 
abundant  in  cows  that  are  sheltered  from  the  weather  ; 
many,  therefore,  shut  up  the  stable,  and  even  deprive 
the  animals  of  light  and  almost  of  air  during  a consi- 
derable part  of  the  year.  Were  they,  however,  to 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


25 


place  in  their  account  against  this  supposed  increase 
of  produce  the  expense  of  purchasing  fresh  cows,  to 
replace  those  that  have  been,  we  may  almost  say,  suf- 
focated ; they  would  find  their  gain  to  be  in  an  inverse 
ratio  to  what  they  had  supposed ; and  then,  perhaps, 
they  might  be  induced  to  abandon  this  pernicious 
practice,  and  suffer  their  cows  to  feel  the  truly  beneficial 
effects  of  light,  and  sweet  and  wholesome  air. 

A stable  or  shed  for  cows  should  be  so  formed  that  a 
space  twenty-four  feet  in  length  should  be  allowed  to 
every  four  cows,  and  so  in  proportion  for  any  further 
number ; the  floor  should  be  placed  above  the  level  of 
the  ground,  the  sides  slightly  elevated,  so  that  all  mois- 
ture may  run  off  to  a drain  in  the  middle,  which  should 
be  conducted  to  a covered  pit  on  the  outside  of  the 
building.  The  place  should  be  lofty  ; and  to  secure  a 
free  circulation  of  air,  two  windows  to  every  twenty- 
four  feet  will  be  necessary. 

The  stores  for  the  fodder  should  be  separated  from 
the  stable  or  shed  by  a brick  or  stone  wall,  if  adjoining 
thereto ; but  if  over  the  stable,  by  a brick  or  tile  floor, 
which  by  its  compactness  keeps  the  dust  and  noxious 
fumes  from  the  food. 

Every  precaution  should  be  taken  to  keep  the  place 
clean  and  wholesome  ; and  in  this  respect,  it  may  not  be 
amiss  to  imitate  the  practice  of  the  Dutch  cow-keepers,, 
who  are  as  careful  to  keep  their  cow-houses  sweet  and 
clean  as  the  English  gentleman  is  in  managing  his  stable. 
• 

II.  Of  the  necessity  of  dressing  and  cleaning  neat 
cattle. 

In  the  stable  in  which  horses  are  kept,  a brush  and 
curry-comb  are  indispensable  requisites;  but  in  the 
cow-stable,  these  are  rarely  to  be  found  : this  can  only 
arise  from  an  opinion  that  cleanliness  is  not  so  essen- 
tial to  the  cow  as  to  the  horse.  This  neglect  is  the 
source  of  many  evils.  — Cows  cannot  be  healthy,  unless 
the  insensible  perspiration  goes  on  regularly ; and  this 

c 


26 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


cannot  be  the  case  when  they  are  put  into  wet  land,  or 
kept  in  dirty  houses,  and  no  care  taken  to  remove  the 
dirt  or  matter  by  which  the  perspirable  vessels  or  pores 
of  the  skin,  are  obstructed.  In  dairies  where  the  dress- 
ing of  cows  is  regularly  practised,  they  are  uniformly 
stronger,  and  in  better  condition  ; are  less  subject  to 
diseases,  and  yield  more  milk,  and  that  ihilk  of  a very 
superior  quality. 

Cows  should  be  dressed  once  a day,  and  on  no  account 
should  any  dung  be  left  on  their  coats.  This  operation 
will  not  be  found  difficult  when  it  is  regularly  practised, 
and  plenty  of  fresh  litter  allowed,  and  their  dung  often 
removed,  that  they  may  be  prevented  from  lying  down 
in  it.  Cows  thus  managed,  will  be  found  much  more 
profitable  than  otherwise ; and  the  improvement  will 
be  observable  both  in  the  dung  heap  and  in  the  milk. 

Many  persons  consider  that  if  cows  have  sufficient 
food,  it  is  all  that  is  necessary ; but  we  are  convinced 
from  experience — the  best  of  all  teachers — that  how- 
ever well  cows  are  fed,  they,  will  not  be  found  near  so 
profitable  as  they  would  be,  if  the  care  and  attention 
so  essential  to  their  cleanliness  and  well-being  were  du- 
ly attended  to  ; while  those  that  are  thus  taken  care  of, 
will  be  found  to  thrive  even  upon  more  indifferent  food. 

If  the  udder  and  teats  of  the  cow  are  occasionally 
washed  with  warm  water,  those  hard  swellings,  which 
are  often  very  troublesome,  will  be  prevented,  as  will 
also  warts  and  other  excrescences  to  which  the  udder 
is  subject  without  this  attention.  The  udder,  and  es- 
pecially the  teats,  should  be  washed,  immediately 
before  the  cow  is  milked. 

III.  Of  foddering^  or  feeding: 

In  the  various  publications  which  have  appeared 
relative  to  the  management  of  neat  cattle  generally, 
but  of  milch  cows  in  particular,  there  seems  to  be 
too  much  stress  laid  on  the  quality  of  food  that  should 
be  given  them,  to  the  exclusion  of  a much  more  im- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


27 


portant  consideration  ; namely,  the  health  of  the  organ 
that  is  to  digest  and  assimilate  the  food.  This  has  been 
a very  common  error,  and  has  led  to  the  opinion,  that 
the  lactiferous  powers  of  the  cow  may  be  increased  to 
a great  extent,  merely  by  supplying  the  animal  with 
that  extra  natural  nutriment  which  is  so  abundantly 
found  in  the  artificial  grasses,  and  the  various  roots  that 
are  now  getting  into  use.  This  is,  however,  a great 
mistake;  the  power  of  the  organ  is  limited,  and  if  we 
give  the  animal  such  food  as  exceeds  either  in  quantity 
or  quality  the  power  of  the  organ  which  is  to  assimilate 
it,  we  are  sure  to  defeat  the  object  we  endeavour  to 
obtain. 

It  has  also  been  considered,  and  some  experiments 
have  been  published  to  support  the  opinion,  that  by  a 
judicious  use  of  the  artificial  grasses  in  summer,  and  of 
the  saccharine  and  mucilaginous  roots  in  winter,  the 
produce  of  milk  may  not  only  be  increased,  but  even 
extended  to  a much  greater  length  of  time.  A little  re- 
flection will,  however,  convince  us,  that  in  this,  as  welt 
as  in  many  other  farming  concerns,  people  want  to  take 
more  out  of  a thing  than  its  nature  is  capable  of  yield- 
ing : they  want  to  kill  the  goose  that  has  the  property 
of  laying  the  golden  eggs,  in  order  to  get  them  before 
the  proper  time.  But  in  this,  as  in  every  other  thing 
of  the  same  kind,  such  persons  are  blind  to  their  own 
true  interest. 

The  proper  management  of  neat  cattle,  as  well  as  of 
milch  cows,  is  a very  plain  and  simple  thing.  If  we  have 
a sufficient  extent  of  old  pastures  for  them,  very  little 
reflection  upon  the  subject  is  necessary  ; but  if  we  are 
compelled  to  have  recourse  to  what  are  termed,  artifi- 
cial means,  then  it  is  that  our  skill  and  judgment  are 
brought  into  trial. 

Perhaps,  by  a judicious  use  of  mangel-wurzel,  and 
other  nutritious  roots,  we  may  promote  and  extend  the 
lactiferous  services  of  the  cow  in  a considerable  degree ; 
yet  we  must  never  lose  sight  of  the  important  truth, 
that  the  stomach,  as  well  as  the  udder,  are  of  limited 


28  farmer’s  and  grazier’s 

power,  and  that  the  former  must  not  be  oppressed  with 
an  improper  quantity  of  food,  nor  the  latter  with  too 
much  blood,  however  wholesome  and  nutritive  the  food 
may  be. 

It  is  one  of  the  consequences  of  improper  feeding,  that 
it  is  the  cause  of  difficult  labour  in  the  cow,  and  the 
occasion  of  the  frequent  necessity  for  the  assistance  of 
the  cow-doctor  in  the  delivery  of  the  calf.  Mr.  J. 
White,  in  his  Compendum  of  Cattle  Medicine,  describes 
the  appearance  which  presented  itself  on  opening  a 
cow  that  had  died  from  over-feeding.  When  she  was 
near  calving,  she  was  kept  in  the  field,  and  liberally 
supplied  with  hay  (in  winter) : one  morning,  she  was 
found  dead,  and  her  death  was  attributed  to  her  having 
fallen  into  a sort  of  hollow,  which  was  so  inconsiderable 
that,  had  her  stomach  been  free  from  the  load  that  was 
found  in  it,  she  could  undoubtedly  have  got  up  again.’^ 
“I  found,”  says  Mr.  White,  ‘‘  the  rumen,  or  paunch, 
weighing  nearly  one  hundred  pounds,  and  the  poor 
calf  seemed  to  have  been  driven  into  a corner,  and  suf- 
focated. I am  decidedly  of  opinion,”  adds  Mr.  W. 
“ that  the  cause  of  the  peculiar  difficulty  in  parturition, 
or  rather  the  frequency  of  it,  in  the  cow,  is  owing  to 
improper  feeding.” 

If  we  observe  the  intimate  connexion  which  exists 
between  the  fourth  stomach  and  the  udder  of  the  cow, 
we  shall  soon  perceive  the  fact,  that  when  the  former 
becomes  inflamed  or  disordered,  the  latter  is  sure  to 
sympathise  with  it ; and  also  that  if  the  udder  becomes 
materially  injured,  the  stomach  inevitably  participates. 
This  is  another  circumstance  which  should  induce  us 
to  be  very  careful  in  feeding  milch  cows  whenever  we 
are  under  the  necessity  of  taking  them  from  their  na- 
tural pastures. 

When  mangel-wurzel  was  first  introduced,  it  was 
given  profusely  and  indiscriminately  ; and  considerable 
injury  was  done  in  consequence.  In  the  Farmers’ 
Journal,  (in  1814),  it  was  stated,  that  all  Mr.  Coke’s 
cows  were  fed  upon  mangel-wurzel,  and  that  only,  for 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


29 


a few  days,  strewed  upon  grass  land,  in  the  same  man- 
ner that  turnips  are  given  in  some  counties ; and  that 
they  were  effected  with  the  palsy,  and  some  of  them 
lost  their  milk  ; but  that  as  soon  as  the  mangel-wurzel 
was  discontinued,  they  began  to  recover.  In  the  same 
Journal  it  is  also  stated,  that  when  mangel-wurzel  was 
given  by  a practical  farmer  to  his  cattle  in  large  quan- 
tities, and  without  hay,  it  in  many  instances  caused  a 
partial  paralysis  of  the  hind  parts,  the  animals  appear- 
ing as  if  they  had  been  injured  in  the  back.  And  yet 
it  is  added,  that  Lord  Crewe  gave  nearly  sixty  pounds 
per  day  to  milking  cows  with  a proper  proportion  of 
hay,  not  only  with  impunity,  but  with  the  best  effects. 

In  another  number  of  the  Farmers’  Journal,  it  is 
stated,  that  in  the  spring  of  the  year,  Mr.  Birch  gave 
each  cow  a bushel  of  mangel-wurzel  daily.  A sweet 
flavour  was  soon  distinguishable  in  the  milk,  the  quan- 
tity increased,  and  the  butter  partook  of  the  sweet  fla- 
vour of  the  milk.  The  cows  were  very  healthy,  and 
remained  so  throughout  the  summer.  The  second 
year’s  crop  was  given  in  part  to  the  cows  as‘  soon  as 
taken  from  the  ground,  and  the  same  improvement  was 
soon  observed  in  the  milk  and  the  butter,  as  well  as  an 
improved  condition  of  the  cows. — Mr.  Birch  wished  to 
save  a pasture  for  mowing  that  season,  and  reserved 
the  other  part  of  the  roots  till  the  spring ; and  in  the 
month  of  May  he  found  them  as  sound  as  when  first  ga- 
thered, and  they  remained  so  until  the  cows  had  finish- 
ed them.  The  latter  end  of  June,  he  gained  his  crop 
of  hay,  and  delightful  May  butter,  and  his  cows  had 
all  the  appearance  of  the  highest  state  of  health. 

The  results  of  the  following  experiments  will  we 
think,  be  worth  the  farmer’s  attention. 

On  the  morning  of  the  18th  of  October,  two  milch- 
cows,  that  had  calved  in  the  spring,  were  turned  into 
an  over-eaten  pasture,  and  fed  every  morning  and 
evening  with  hay  only,  and  the  products  being  measur- 
ed at  each  meal,  the  result  for  one  week  was — one 
hundred  quarts  of  milk,  eleven  pints  of  cream,  and 
c2 


30 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


four  pounds  and  a half  of  butter.  The  cows  renfained 
in  the  same  pasture  another  week,  and  were  fed  with 
mangel-wurzul  and  hay,  each  cow  having  half-a-bushel, 
sliced, and  given  to  her  morning  and  evening;  the  week’s 
result  was  then  found  to  be — one  hundred  and  thirty 
quarts  of  milk,  seventeen  pints  of  cream,  and  six 
pounds  and  three  quarters  of  butter.  The  next  week 
the  cows  were  fed  upon  hay  only,  and  the  result  was 
only  eighty-seven  quarts  of  milk,  eight  pints  and  a half 
of  cream,  and  three  pounds  and  a half  of  butter. 

In  Ireland,  the  quantity  given  to  each  cow  varies 
from  twenty-five  to  one  hundred  and  twelve  pounds 
daily  ; and  this  is  given  not  only  without  any  bad  re- 
sults, but  with  considerable  advantages,  both  as  to  the 
dairy  and  in  feeding  for  the  butcher  : it  is,  however, 
accompanied  by  a moderate  quantity  of  hay,  and  some- 
times by  an  intermediate  feed  of  turnips. 

Mr.  Pomeroy,  an  eminent  farmdr,  ordered  three 
wheelbarrowsful  of  this  root,  fresh  pulled  from  the 
ground,  to  be  thrown  to  his  milch  cows  on  a pasture. 
The  food  was  so  delicious,  that  they  contended  for  ex- 
clusive possession ; and  the  strongest  having  succeeded, 
she  continued  to  devour  the  roots  with  avidity,  till  they 
were  all  consumed,  and  herself  gorged  beyond  the  pos- 
sibility of  recovery.  But  in  this  case,  instead  of  para- 
lysis, the  same  symptoms  look  place  as  are  caused  by 
unrestrained  feeding  upon  fresh  clover.  The  rest  of 
the  cows  were  subsequently  fed  upon  the  same  diet, 
but  given  in  moderation,  with  a proportion  of  hay,  and 
they  continued  in  perfect  health. 

From  all  the  observations  it  would  appear  that  man- 
gel-wurzel is  a valuable,  nutritious  root,  well  adapted 
to  the  feeding  of  cattle,  and  one  from  which  no  injury 
need  be  apprehended  when  proper  care  is  taken  in 
feeding  the  stock  with  a moderate  quantity  daily  ; like 
clover,  turnips,  and  aftermath,  it  abounds  in  rich,  nu- 
tritious matter,  and  when  used  for  food  must,  like  them, 
be  accompanied  with  a proportion  of  hay. 

It  has  been  suggested,  and  very  properly,  that  dur- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


31 


ing  the  heat  of  summer,  cows  should  be  sheltered  by 
suitable  sheds,  where  they  may  be  advantageously  fed 
with  tares,  cabbages,  turnips,  potatoes,  mangel-wurzel, 
&c. ; and  it  is  most  probable,  that  by  indulging  the  an- 
imal in  a little  variety  with  regard  to  food,  its  health 
would  be  improved,  and  the  formation  of  milk  materi- 
ally increased. 

It  is  certainly  of  importance  and  most  profitable  to 
feed  cows  liberally,  giving  it  them  often  and  in  small 
quantities,  especially  such  as  have  been  recently  taken 
into  the  dairy  ; and  it  is  no  less  so  that  their  food  should 
be  of  the  best  quality.  It  is  an  established  fact,  that  a 
small  quantity  of  food,  well  chosen,  and  of  prime  qual- 
ity, is  infinitely  better  than  an  abundance  of  such  as  is 
bad,  or  even  only  indifferent. 

The  fodder  of  cows  is  of  two  kinds  : dry,  and  green  ; 
— the  former  is  given  in  the  stable ; the  latter  usually 
in  the  fields.  In  the  former  case,  a small  quantity  only 
should  be  given  at  a time^  but  that  the  more  frequently. 
Cows  are  by  this  means  prevented  from  gorging  them- 
selves ; and  the  consequences  resulting  from  indiges- 
tion are  avoided  ; they  are  also  prevented  from  weak- 
ening their  appetite,  or  from  having  a distaste  for  their 
food  from  too  much  being  put  at  one  time  before  them, 
and  blowing  upon  it.  In  eating  only  a small  quantity 
at  a time,  they  ruminate  much  better  and  With  more 
ease,  whereby  digestion  is  greatly  facilitated  ; and  not 
only  the  health  and  condition  of  the  animal  kept  up, 
but  an  abundance  of  rich  milk  also — the  certain  conse- 
quence attendant  upon  good  feeding  and  perfect  diges- 
tion. 

We  have  given  directions  as  to  the  proper  use  of 
mangel-wurzel,  and  due  cautions  of  the  necessity  of 
mixing  it  with  hay  ; we  shall  also,  as  we  proceed,  have 
occasion  to  shew  the  superiority  of  steamed  or  cooked 
food,  particularly  potatoes,  over  that  given  raw,  and 
in  what  manner  turnips,  cabbages,  &c.  may  be  given 
with  most  advantage ; but  there  are  times  when  all 
these  may  run  short,  or  cannot  be  conveniently  pro- 


32 


tarmer’s  and  grazier’s 


cured ; it  is  also  best  occasionally  to  diversify  the  green 
food  of  cows,  or  neat  cattle  generally.  On  these  seve- 
ral accounts,  we  shall  state  what  plants  may  be  given 
green,  not  only  with  safety,  but  in  many  cases  with 
advantages. 

The  plants  mostly  in  use  for  this  purpose  are 
lucerne,  sainfoin,  wild  chicory, 

trefoil,  colewort,  burnet. 


the  leaves  and  roots  of 

carrots,  rape,  pumpkin, 

radish,  cabbage,  (or  pompion); 

the  leaves  or  tender  twigs  of 

maize,  (or  Indian  corn),  lettuce  : 


the  leaves,  stems,  and  tubercles  of 
potatoes,  and  topinambour ; 

as  well  as  the  following  generally  : — 
prickly  brooom,  bistort,  pea,  and 

parsley,  vetches,  bean-shells, 

orach,  lentils, 

in  short,  almost  all  leguminous*  plants,  and  the  greater 
part  of  garden  plants,  as  well  as  those  which  grow  in 
the  fields  after  harvest. 

Young  thistles  produce  a rich,  creamy  milk.  The 
leaves  and  tender  twigs  of  many  kinds  of  trees,  such 
as  the 

acacia,  ash,  oak,  poplar, 

elm,  maple,  melon, 

and  the  leaves  and  tendrils  of  the  vine  are  aliments 

that  may  be  occasionally  employed  with  advantage, 
but  only  in  very  small  quantities. 

On  the  borders  of  the  sea,  in  times  of  drought  and 
scarcity,  cows  or  neat  cattle  may  be  fed  with  the  dif- 


* Leguminous  plants  are  those  whose  seed  or  fruit  are  enclosed 
in  a pod,  as  the  pea,  and  bean,  ^c. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


33 


ferent  species  of  Alga  and  Fuci^  and  Cristis  marinies^ 
after  the  plants  have  been  bruised  and  boiled  in  fresh 
water.  Buck-wheat  and  nettles  do  well  in  the  poorest 
land.  Cows  readily  eat  the  latter,  either  when  mixed 
with  straw,  or  steeped  in  hot-water  for  a night,  and 
given  in  the  morning  altogether,  the  liquor  being  much 
relished  by  cows ; — they  also  produce  a large  quantity 
of  milk. 

When  roots  are  given  to  cows,  it  is  necessary  to  cvit 
them  in  slices,  as  otherwise  there  is  danger  of  their 
choking  them — an  accident  that  often  happens.  There 
are  some  mills  made  for  this  purpose,  which  are  simple, 
convenient,  and  not  expensive.  It  is  a fact  sanctioned 
by  experience,  and  warranted  by  experiment,  that 
roots,  when  cooked  or  boiled,  are  far  more  nourishing, 
and  give  more  milk  than  when  raw. 

In  several  parts  of  England,  France,  Holland,  Ger- 
many, Piedmont,  and  part  of  Italy,  they  give  cooked 
food  (by  steam),  and  find  great  advantage  in  it.  Great 
caution  is  necessary  in  giving  the  young  shoots  of  oak, 
ash,  elm,  or  other  trees  ; either  of  these,  when  eaten 
too  freely,  are  apt  to  bring  on  red  water,  dysentery, 
and  other  serious  and  even  mortal  diseases. 

Cows  should  never  eat  green  fodder  that  has  been 
lying  in  a heap  till  it  is  become  hot ; not  only  because 
it  is  difficult  of  digestion,  but  likewise  from  its  being 
liable  to  bring  on  inflammatory  and  putrid  disorders. 

Cut  straw  and  chaff  may  be  added  occasionally,  but 
on  no  account  should  the  husk  of  grain  be  ever  given, 
it  being  perfectly  indigestible,  and  consequently  dan- 
gerous. Mr.  Cur  win,  a respectable  farming  gentleman, 
says  that  he  fed  forty  milch  cows,  and  forty  oxen,  oc- 
casionally, with  cut  straw  well  steamed  ; and  remarks, 
as  a proof  of  its  successful  adoption,  that  they  continu- 
ed in  very  high  condition ; which  he  attributed  to  their 
warm  food.  He  says,  ‘‘  The  quantity  of  food  used  is 
but  trifling ; and  very  few  of  my  milch  cows  that  are 
not  fit  for  the  butcher,  at  the  same  time  that  the  aver- 


34 


farmer’s  axd  grazier’s 


age  of  milk  was  between  twelve  and  thirteen  quarts 
upon  three  hundred  and  twenty  days. 

In  1798,  the  Bishop  of  Killalo,  during  a season  of  pe- 
culiar scarcity,  fed  his  cattle  upon  his  Lincolnshire 
estate,  upon  steamed  potatoes ; and  notwithstanding 
the  cattle  for  many  miles  round  were  generally  in  a 
deplorable  state,  his  were  in  the  highest  condition  pos- 
sible, solely  from  the  effects  of  the  food  given  them. 
But  some  accident  happening  to  the  steaming  appa- 
ratus, his  lordship  was  reduced  to  the  necessity  of 
feeding  them  principally  upon  raw  potatoes ; the  con- 
sequence was,  they  immediately  fell  away  to  a state 
that  is  hardly  credible.  This  is  a most  important  fact ; 
and  shews  the  superior  advantages  of  cooked  food,  even 
of  the  same  kind,  oyer  that  in  the  raw  state. 

Green  fodder  should  not  be  brought  in  or  out  until 
the  sun  has  dissipated  the  dew.  It  would  be  very  dan- 
gerous to  give  it  when  covered  with  dew,  as  in  that 
state  it  is  difficult  of  digestion,  and  very  apt  to  ferment 
in  the  first  stomach,  or  rumen,  and  blow  the  animal, 
or  blast  it,  as  it  is  commonly  called — a disease  that 
often  proves  fatal,  if  not  very  shortly  relieved. 

Neat  cattle  are  very  liable  to  be  blasted  when  first 
turned  into  clover,  or  any  of  the  artificial  grasses. 
They  are  liable  to  this  accident  from  two  causes — the 
state  of  the  animal ; and  the  state  of  the  grass. 

1st.  The  state  of  the  animal.  If  it  be  the  first  time, 
and  she  have  a good  appetite  and  a strong  digestive 
power^she  will  eat  with  great  avidity,  and  digest  quick- 
ly for  some  time ; but  at  length  blood  will  be  formed  in 
excess,  and  the  sensorium  will  be  oppressed.  The  di- 
gestive power  will  then  flag,  but  the  appetite  will  con- 
tinue until  the  third  stomach  becomes  distended,  and 
incapable  of  performing  its  office.  The  first  stomach, 
or  rumen,  will  then  be  overloaded,  and  incapable  of 
bringing  up  the  food  for  rumination,  in  consequence  of 
which  its  contents  will  ferment.  The  air  which  is  ge- 
nerated by  the  fermentation,  will  so  distend,  or  stretch 
the  rumen,  as  to  prevent  the  descent  of  the  diaphragm, 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


35 


and  the  influx  of  the  blood  into  the  lungs,  so  that  the 
animal  becomes  in  danger  of  instant  suffocation. 

It  seems  a singular  circumstance  that  the  appetite 
for  food  should  continue  after  the  digestive  function  has 
ceased ; and  it  may  be  fairly  presumed,  that  it  is  a cir- 
cumstance that  would  never  happen,  were  we  to  fol- 
low nature  in  the  management  of  animals  more  care- 
fully than  we  do.  In  the  natural  pastures,  a cow 
would  not  be  able  to  gorge  herself  in  this  manner  : the 
great  variety  of  herbage  which  nature  has  provided, 
induces  them  to  move  about,  to  find  the  herbs  most 
agreeable  to  their  palate,  and  which  varies  almost  as 
much  as  our  taste,  owing,  probably,  to  the  state  or 
wants  of  their  bodies.  When  an  animal  that  has  been 
thus  kept,  is  turned  into  a field  of  artificial  grass,  as  it  is 
termed,  it  is  like  a child  in  the  shop  of  a confectioner, 
and  eats  much  more  than  is  proper ; and  all  the  evil 
consequences  that  would  arise  from  repletion  in  the 
child,  arises,  but  with  two-fold  danger,  in  the  cow. 

It  has  been  remarked  by  an  intelligent  farmer,  that 
if  cattle  are  turned  into  a piece  of  clover,  or  vetches, 
when  the  wind  is  in  the  east,  it  is  almost  sure  to  blast 
them : for  then,  he  says,  the  leaf  seems  withered,  and 
bangs  down.  In  this  state,  perhaps,  it  is  tough,  and 
less  easily  chewed.  He  advises  to  turn  them  in  when 
the  grass  is  a little  wet  with  dew  or  rain,  and  not  to 
keep  them  at  first  more  than  ten  minutes ; they  are 
then  to  be  taken  off  for  about  half-an-hour,  and  put 
back  again  for  about  ten  minutes ; after  another  short 
interval,  they  are  to  be  turned  out  for  good. 

Mr.  Lawrence  advises  farmers  to  keep  a digesting 
place  for  cattle ; that  is,  a piece  of  short  grass,  where 
they  can  find  but  little  to  eat,  and  must  consequently 
use  sufficient  exercise  in  getting  it.  This  advice  is 
very  good  in  all  cases,  particularly  if  such  cattle  be 
turned  in,  as  have  been  eating  freely  of  the  mangel- 
wurzel,  turnip,  or  the  artificial  grasses. 

The  second  degree  in  which  cattle  are  liable  to  be 
blown,  when  turned  into  artificial  grasses,  depends  upon 


36 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


the  state  of  the  grass.  If  it  be  young  and  tender,  as 
when  moistened  with  a mild  dew  or  rain,  it  is  easily 
chewed,  and  being  as  easily  digested,  it  passes  readily ; 
but  if  it  be  withered,  it  becomes  tough,  and  not  being 
so  easily  chewed  or  thrown  up  for  rumination,  lies 
closer  or  more  compact  in  the  first  stomach,  or  rumen ; 
and  is  then,  upon  the  slightest  exciting  cause,  very 
liable  to  ferment.  A knowledge  of  these  circumstances 
should  certainly  lead  farmers  to  adopt  the  most  effec- 
tual modes  of  prevention : to  which  end,  in  addition  to 
those  previously  mentioned,  may  be  added,  cutting  the 
grass  occasionally,  and  feeding  the  cattle  from  cribs  in 
some  rough  ground,  or  in  a cow-house,  or  large  yard. 
It  is,  however,  proper  to  observe,  that  when  the  artifi- 
cial grasses  are  used  in  this  manner,  they  should  not 
be  cut  or  brought  in,  till  the  dew,  if  abundant,  be  dis- 
sipated ; otherwise,  the  animal  will  eat  with  as  great 
a relish  as  in  the  field,  and  overloading  its  stomach, 
will  be  just  as  liable  to  be  blown  or  blasted.  Perhaps 
this  inconvenience  would  be  most  surely  prevented  by 
giving  the  cattle  but  a proper  quantity  at  a time ; and 
by  spreading  it  out  a short  time,  particularly  of  a morn- 
ing when  there  is  no  sun,  before  it  is  given. 

Generally  speaking,  neither  grasses  nor  herbs  should 
be  cut  until  the  flowers  begin  to  open ; as  before  this 
period  they  are  watery,  and  contain  less  nourishment ; 
shortly  after  this,  they  become  more  and  more  fibrous, 
stemmy,  hard,  tough,  and  consequently  less  digestible. 
Grasses  or  herbs  cut  too  early,  from  having  their  juices 
more  abundant,  but  in  a raw,  crude  state,  are  very 
liable  also  to  produce  a diarrhoea,  or  looseness  in  the 
bowels. 

When  cattle  are  put  into  a field,  it  should  be  after 
the  dew  has  dissipated.  If  the  pasture  be  short,  they 
may  be  left  at  liberty ; but  if  it  be  abundant,  and  con- 
sist of  the  artificial  grasses,  such  as  lucerne,  vetches, 
clover,  or  the  like,  the  cattle  should  each  be  confined 
by  a rope  to  a picket  or  post  fixed  in  the  field,until  they 
have  ruminated  ; they  are  then  to  be  fixed  in  another 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


37 


spot.  This  change  ought  to  take  place  five  or  six  times 
a day  ; otherwise,  by  allowing  them  a large  space,  and 
changing  them  only  twice  a day,  they  will  be  very  apt 
to  gorge  themselves,  or  after  satisfying  their  appetites, 
they  will  trample  upon  and  spoil  the  remainder.  But 
cows  may  be  much  benefitted  by  being  raced  round  the 
meadow  three  or  four  times,  gently,  when  first  turned 
in  to  feed. 

Little  and  q/ien,  is  a maxim  which  ought  never  to  be 
lost  sight  of  in  feeding  neat  cattle,  particularly  milch- 
cows.  By  this  method  they  thrive  better,  and  give  more 
and  richer  milk. 

It  is  very  necessary  to  take  cows  from  the  pastures 
during  the  heat  of  a summer  day  ; as  the  great  heat 
and  the  stinging  of  flies  will  cause  a considerable  dimi- 
nution of  the  milk.  Cows  should  be  turned  into  a field 
or  exercised  in  some  way,  every  day,  at  all  times  of 
the  year,  unless  the  weather  be  very  bad  ; during  their 
time  of  exercise,  their  stalls  should  be  well  cleaned  out, 
and  fresh  fodder  put  in.  When  cows  are  kepi  on  dry 
fodder,  it  is  of  importance  that  it  should  be  of  good 
quality,  and  dispensed  to  them  in  proper  quantity  ; and 
unless  those  conditions  be  carefully  observed,  all  other 
attention  will  be  of  little  use.  Fodder,  that  has  been 
badly  kept,  or  that  has  been  heated,  or  become  mouldy, 
or  dusty,  such  as  the  sweepings  of  barns,  is  little  better 
than  the  husks  of  grain  mixed  with  dust,  and  contains 
little  nutriment,  and  is  productive  of  many  disorders. 

The  second,  or  even  the  third  crop  of  artificial  grass 
when  of  good  quality,  and  cut  and  saved  in  a favourable 
time  appears  to  agree  better  with  cattle,  than  the  first 
crop,  of  which  the  stems  are  stronger,  and  more  fibrous  ; 
and  which  are,  in  consequence,  more  difficult  of  diges- 
tion and  less  productive  of  milk. 

It  is  commonly  remarked  on  this  subject  by  the  most 
experienced  dairymen,  that  the  young  shoots  of  grass 
which  spring  up  after  hay-harvest,  especially  in  or  after 
showery  weather,  are  particularly  productive  of  milk. 
It  is  the  same  with  the  first  shoots  of  grass  in  spring, 

D 


38 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


or  early  in  the  summer.  It  is,  however,  at  these  periods, 
that  cattle  appear  to  be  most  liable  to  inflammatory 
diseases,  arising  form  an  excess  of  blood.  The  fresh, 
tender  shoots  are  eagerly  eaten,  and  being  readily  di- 
gested, form  an  undue  accumulation  of  blood  in  the  sys- 
tem. This  superfluity  of  blood,  is,  it  is  true,  generally 
carried  ofTby  an  effort  of  nature,  as  it  is  termed ; or  in 
other  words,  a diarrhoea,  or  scouring,  or  bloody  urine, 
takes  place  ; sometimes,  however,  its  effects  falls  more 
immediately  upon  a vital  organ,  and  inflammation  of  the 
brain,  the  heart,  or  the  lungs,  ensin^s ; and  the  animal 
is  too  often  lost  from  a want  of,  early  and  suflficient 
bleeding. 

All  the  plants  previously  mentioned  as  adapted  for 
green  fodder,  may  also  be  given  dry  ; as  may  also  the 
straw  of  barley  and  oats;  which,  if  given  unthreshed, 
is  infinitely  better,  more  relishing,  and  more  heal- 
thy ; wheat-straw^,  when  good  and  fresh,  the  siftings  of 
rye,  peas,  beans,  barley,  especially  when  boiled,  bran, 
chippings  or  raspings  of  bread,  oil-cake,  hemp-seed, 
beech  mast,  starch  dregs,  and  brewers’  grains,  may  be 
occasionally  given  w ith  advantage,  but  not  too  much  at 
a time,  nor  for  a long  continuance.  One  or  more  of 
these  things  should  be  occasionally  mixed  with  boiled 
roots,  the  mixture  given  in  small  quantities,  six  or  seven 
times  a day,  by  which  both  the  quality  and  quantity  of 
the  milk  wdll  be  increased,  and  the  trouble  amply  com- 
pensated. 

Straw  is  made  m.ore  palatable  by  mixing  it  with  the 
skimming,  or  second  crop  of  hay,  w^hich  for  this  purpose 
should  not  be  quite  dry  ; but  mixed  with  the  straw  by 
laying  it  layer  upon  layer  at  the  time  of  stacking;  and 
if  sprinkled  with  water  in  which  a small  quantity  of 
salt  has  been  dissolved,  it  will  be  rendered  more  palat- 
able ; the  sprinkling  may  be  done  at  the  time  it  is  given, 
or,  which  is  perhaps  better,  a few  hours  before. 

It  may  be  laid  dow  n as  a rule,  that  when  neat  cattle 
are  stinted  in  food,  farmers  lose  twice  as  much  by  the 
loss  of  flesh  and  consequent- deterioration  in  the  value  of 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


39 


the  animal,  as  he  can  ever  save  in  the  price  of  the  food, 
This  remark  is  particularly  applicable  to  the  dairyman, 
even  in  a greater  degree  than  to  the  farmer  or  the  gra- 
zier : a cow  should  never  be  stinted,  no  more  than  over- 
fed ; for  one  that  is  well  fed  will  keep  her  flesh  and 
yield  twice  as  much  milk  as  two  that  are  badly  kept 
and  stintingly  fed.  They  should  never  be  suffered  to 
gorge  themselves,  for  in  that  case  they  produce  all  the 
disorders  arising  from  indigestion  and  repletion. 

Give  them  their  food 
By  little,  and  often, — but  let  it  be  good, 

is  the  golden  rule  ; and  if  this  be  properly  attended  to, 
and  the  necessary  cleanliness  observed,  a healthy  and 
productive  stock  will  be  the  consequent  and  certain 
result. 

One  thing  essential  to  be  observed  in  feeding,  is,  that 
neat  cattle,  but  especially  cows,  should  not  pass  too 
suddenly  from  green  to  dry  food,  or  the  contrary ; a 
sudden  change  injures  the  digestive  organs,  and  di- 
minishes the  quantity  of  milk  ; this  shrinking  is  par- 
ticularly observable  when  the  change  is  from  green  food 
to  that  which  is  less  succulent.  In  this  case,  therefore, 
as  well  as  in  changing  one  pasture  for  another,  great 
care  must  be  used,  and  perhaps  this  cannot  be  accom- 
plished in  a better  way  than  in  inuring  them  to  the 
change  by  degrees. 

During  the  war,  when  agricultural  produce  was  high, 
a large  sum  of  money  was  made  by  the  sale  of  the  fol- 
lowing receipt  for  feeding  neat  cattle.  It  was  recom- 
mended by  Lord  Somerville,  and  many  other  noblemen 
and  extensive  graziers  and  agriculturists,  as  a most 
excellent  and  economical  mode  of  feeding.  But  we 
cannot  ourselves  speak  of  it  from  experience,  never 
having  tried  it.  The  receipt  was  sold  for  five  guineas ; 
and  five  hundred  persons  subscribed  before  the  partic- 
ulars were  made  know  to  any  one  of  them. 

Cut  good  sweet  wheat-straw  into  lengths  of  about 
four  inches,  and  strew  it,  about  one  inch  thick,  over  a 


40 


jarmer’s  and  grazier^s 


very  clean  stone,  tiled,  or  boarded  floor  : sprinkle  over 
the  straw  just  enough  clean  water  to  dan)p  it,  and  add 
a thin  sprinkling  of  barley-meal,  or  any  other  good  meal» 
upon  it.  Then  throw  over  the  meal  twice  as  much  sweet 
fresh-cut  meadow-grass  as  you  put  of  straw.  Again, 
strewn  an  inch  thick  of  cut  straw,  which  sprinkle  with 
clean  water,  as  at  first;  and  then  add,  as  before,  a thin 
sprinkling  of  barley-meal,  and  fresh-cut  meadow-grass. 
And  so  go  on, — cut  straw,  water,  me^l,  and  fresh 
meadowy-grass,  till  you  get  as  much  as  you  can  use  in  a 
day. 

This  being  done  in- the  morning,  let  it  lie  together  till 
the  evening,  when  it  is  to  be  turned,  and  mixed  together 
in  a heap  : it  should  be  given  to  the  cattle  on  the  fol- 
lowing day. 

IV.—O/  Wa^er. 

Improper  feeding  is  as  we  have  endeavoured  to  shew, 
injurious  to  neat  cattle  generally  ; but  improper  man- 
agement, with  respect  to  water,  is  productive  of  more 
serious  consequences  still ; and  is  the  chief  origin  of  what 
is  called  among  veterinary  surgeons,  predisposition  to 
disease  ; in  other  words,  the  animal  structure  is,  by  mis- 
management, rendered  peculiarly  liable  to  disease,  and 
is  then  acted  upon  by  the  slightest  cause. 

Thus,  a superabundance  of  water  induces  the  quar- 
ter-ill, red-water,  and  scouring ; while  a smaller  quan- 
tity than  is  proper,  is  often  a main  cause  of  inflamma- 
tory disorders. 

Filthy  or  impure  water  should  be  avoided,  as  pro- 
ductive of  the  most  serious  consequences ; it  has  been 
proved,  beyond  all  doubt,  that  impure  water  given  to 
pregnant  cows  is  a more  certain  cause  of  abortion,  or 
slipping  of  the  calf,  than  any  other,  and  edso  engenders 
bad  udders,  red-water,  and  scouring,  and  materially 
diminishes  the  quantity  of  the  mik,  and  injures  the 
quality  of  the  butter  and  cheese. 

Neat  cattle,  but  particularly  cows,  should  be  water- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


41 


ed  twice  a day,  and  in  summer  three  times  ; this  is  the 
more  necessary  when  they  are  kept  on  dry  food : the 
water  should  be  pure  and  transparent ; the  best  of  all 
is  that  which  has  been  agitated  by  passing  through  a 
mill,  as  it  is  then  softer,  and  more  favourable  to  diges- 
tion. It  is  a dangerous  prejudice,  that  muddy  or  stag- 
nant water  is  not  injurious  ; we  have  just  given  a de- 
cided opinion  on  this  subject,  and  shall  in  the  course  of 
our  observations  give  several  cases  to  support  that 
opinion. 

It  is  always  adviseable,  when  it  can  be  conveniently 
accomplished,  to  pump,  the  w^ater  intended  for  cal  tie- 
drink  into  troughs  of  stone  or  cement ; the  best  ponds 
of  water  being  liable  to  impurity  from  several  causes ; 
as*  one  of  these,  it  may  be  observed,  that  cattle  inva- 
riably void  their  excrement  either  in  the  pond,  or  near 
it,  immediately  after  drinking ; and  as  there  is  gene- 
rally a sloping  bank  to  the  pond,  the  dung  must,  in 
some  degree,  run  down  into  the  water,  and  by  engen- 
dering various  description  of  the  insect  and  vermin  race, 
render  it  impure  and  unwholesome. 

On  a farm  in  Gloucestershire,  three  successive  far- 
mers were  nearly  ruined  from  the  losses  they  sustained 
by  their  cattle  dying,  and  for  which  they  could  give  no 
reason,  and  of  course  could  devise  no  remedy.  The 
fourth  occupant,  however,  a man  of  experience,  find- 
ing in  the  first  three  years  that  all  endeavours  failed  to 
secure  him  from  the  losses  sustained  by  his  predeces- 
sors, and  thinking  that  possibly  the  water  might  be 
some  cause  of  the  evil,  he  fenced  off  his  ponds,  and 
pumped  the  water  into  troughs,  to  which  he  regularly 
drove  his  cattle  to  drink,  morning,  noon,  and  evening ; 
in  a short  time  they  became  healthy ; no  more  deaths 
took  place ; and  the  quantity  and  quality  of  his  butter 
and  cheese  were  much  improved. 

At  another  place  in  the  West  of  England,  a piece  of 
good  grass  was  reserved  for  some  cattle,  they  being 
at  work  on  the  adjoining  land.  They  were  attacked, 
soon  after  they  had  been  turned  in,  with  violent  scour-* 

D 2 


42 


farmer’s  ajvd  grazier’s 


ing.  Supposing  the  grass  might  be  the  cause,  they 
were  put  into  another  piece  of  pasture,  where  there 
was  no  water ; on  which  account  they  were  driven  back 
to  the  former  field,  to  drink,  no  suspicion  being  enter- 
tained that  the  water  could  in  the  remotest  degree  be 
the  cause ; it  was  a pond  of  spring  water,  and  consid- 
ered very  wholesome.  The  scouring,  however,  increas- 
ed, so  much  so,  that  they  became  much  reduced  both 
in  flesh  and  strength,  and  at  last  voided  blood  with 
their  excrement.  It  was  now  considered  essential  that 
the  water  should  be  carefully  examined,  and  upon  a 
closer  investigation  an  immence  number  of  different 
kinds  of  reptiles  were  discovered  therein  : a consider- 
able quantity  of  lime  was  then  thrown  into  the  pond 
and  stirred  about,  when  an  astonishing  sight  presented 
itself — myriads  of  reptiles  were  seen  coining  to  the  sur- 
face, and  leaping  about  to  escape  from  the  almost-boil- 
ing water.  After  some  time,  the  pond  was  cleared  out, 
and  two  or  three  wheelbarrows  full  of  various  kinds  of 
reptiles  were  taken  out  of  it.  The  pond  was  again 
filled,  and  after  a day  or  two,  the  cattle  were  put  back 
again  into  the  field,  and  soon  recovered  from  their 
scouring. 

The  water  of  ponds  surrounded  with  ash-trees  is 
often  during  the  summer  covered  with  thecantharis  or 
blistering  fly,  w^hich  the  wind  blows  from  the  leaves  of 
the  trees.  These  insects  when  swallowed  with  the 
water  are  certainly  poisonous.  This  is  particularly  the 
case  in  France,  but  not  so  much  so  in  England ; still, 
the  same  cause  exists,  though  in  a less  degree,  w^her- 
ever  ponds  are  overhung  by  banks  of  trees. 

Water  is  rendered  much  softer,  and  produces  more 
milk  by  being  blanched,  as  it  is  termed ; that  is,  by 
having  a little  bran  or  meal  stirred  into  it;  but  water 
so  prepared  must  not  be  kept  too  long,  as  it  is  apt  to 
ferment  and  become  sour.  During  the  heat  of  summer, 
cows  are  very  apt  to  become  costive,  particularly  where 
they  are  kept  principally  on  dry  food ; in  this  case  it 
will  be  necessary  to  give  them  water  in  which  bran 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


43 


and  linseed  have  been  boiled ; and  even  if  they  are  not 
costive  it  will  be  proper  to  add,  occasionally,  about  a 
sixth  part  of  a pint  of  vinegar  to  every  pail  of  water, 
and  especially  so  when  the  water  is  but  of  an  indiffer- 
ent quality,  or  when  the  weather  is  very  hot  and  dry. 
It  is  a fact,  that  when  cattle  have  been  accustomed 
to  drink  impure  water,  even  the  washing  of  a dung- 
heap,  they  will  acquire  a relish  for  it,  and  refuse  good 
water,  if  offered  to  them : but  the  consequences  aris- 
ing from  this  practice,  although  not  always  immediate 
in  their  visible  effects,  are  certain,  and  sap  the  very 
vitality  of  the  animaPs  constitution. — We  have  stated 
that  such  a practice  is  a frequent  cause  of  abortion, 
and  productive  of  various  and  serious  diseases : and  we 
here  repeat  the  caution,  from  a conviction  that  no 
other  water  should  ever  be  given  to  cattle  than  what 
is  pure,  sweet,  and  wholesome ; and  that  the  use  of  that 
which  is  impure,  although  used  for  a time  with  appa- 
rent impunity,  will  not  only  inevitably  produce  present 
disease,  but  will  lay  the  foundation  of  a train  of  disor- 
ders which  will  rarely  if  ever  be  eradicated. 


HIHTS  TO  DAIRYMEN 

ON  THE  MANAGEMENT  OF  MILCH  COWS. 

We  have  already  given  general  instructions  as  to 
the  choice  and  management  of  neat  cattle  ; we  shall, 
therefore,  in  the  present  section  confine  ourselves  to 
those  remarks  which  are  more  peculiarly  applicable  to 
the  dairy. 

Where  the  routine  of  the  dairy  is  properly  under- 
stood, it  yields  a profit  which  makes  it  well  worth  at- 
tention ; but  this  profit  depends  in  a great  measure  on 
the  diligence,  experience,  and  knowledge  of  the  dairy- 
man. A work,  therefore,  which  contains,  among  a fund 


44 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


of  other  useful  matter,  practical  information  on  the 
best  means  of  insuring  an  abundant  supply  of  milk,  and 
a consequent  improvement  in  the  quality  and  quantity 
of  butter  and  cheese,  must  be  an  useful  companion : 
and  it  will  be  our  duty  to  lay  before  him  such  informa- 
tion only  as  the  sources  from  which  it  has  been  obtain- 
ed, will  warrant  as  genuine. 

We  have  guided  the  dairyman  in  the  choice  of  his 
stock ; we  shall  therefore  suppose  them  to  be  now  in 
the  stable,  or  cow  house ; of  the  best  formation  of 
which  we  have  already  treated.  If  they  have  been 
brought  from  a distant  part  of  the  country,  but  parti- 
cularly from  a different  pasturage  than  that  on  which 
it  is  intended  to  feed  them,  considerable  care  will  be 
necessary,  and  a gradual  seasoning  essential,  until  suf- 
ficiently accustomed  to  the  change:  a neglect  of  these 
precautions  too  often  occasions  a very  serious  loss.  We 
cannot,  on  this  point,  do  better  than  refer  the  reader 
to  our  instructions  for  the  management  of  neat  cattle 
generally,  page  19. 

The  dairyman  acts  in  opposition  to  his  own  interest 
when  he  does  not  allow  his  cows  sufficient  nourishment ; 
for  it  is  a fact  warranted  by  experience,  that  one  cow 
properly  fed  will  yield  as  much  as.  two  that  are  badly 
kept.  In  this  case  it  may  be  depended  upon,  that  milk 
is  always  of  more  value  than  the  best  cow-food — stint 
the  one,  and  the  short  supply  of  the  other  will  result 
as  a certain-  and  inevitable  consequence.  A farmer 
some  years  since,  kept  eighteen  cows  upon  a common, 
and  was  often  obliged  to  buy  butter  for  his  family. 
Some  few  years  afterwards,  the  common  was  enclosed, 
and  the  same  person  was  then  able  to  supply  his  fa- 
mily amply  with  milk  and  butter,  from  the  produce  of 
four  cows  well  kept. 

Properly  feeding  cows,  without  rushing  into  the  ex- 
treme of  gorging  them,  must  indeed  be  considered  as 
the  primarv  concern  of  the  dairy ; for  such  a constant 
daily  drain’upon  the  animal  cannot  be  kept  up  without 
severe  injury  to  her  constitution,  unless  the  most  am- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


45 


pie  supply  of  food,  principally  of  the  succulent  kind,  be 
afforded : If  this  be  not  attended  to,  the  quality  and 
quantity  of  her  milk  will  be  deteriorated,  and  the  cow 
herself,  when  dry,  will  be  emaciated,  and  of  little  worth. 
Food  of  the  more  solid  kind  will  occasionally  be  neces- 
sary, to  support  her  strength,  and  stimulate  her  to  pro- 
creation, which  otherwise  such  cows  are  apt  to  be  very 
deficient  in,  and  frequently  to  miss  the  bull  at  the  proper 
season.  For  this  purpose,  a few  oats  may  be  given 
once  or  twice  a week,  with  good  effect ; but  in  this 
case,  they  must  on  no  account  be  given  whole — they 
must  be  crushed^  or  bruised,  or  they  will  inevitably  pro- 
duce obstruction  and  disease.  Fine  pollard,  also,  mois- 
tened or  mashed  is  a nourishing  food  ; the  milch  cow, 
however,  should  always  have  exercise,  for  which  no- 
thing is  better  than  a piece  of  open  common ; and  this 
is  the  more  essential,  when  extraordinary  substantial 
food  is  allowed. 

Mr.  White,  author  of  the  Compendium  of  Cattle  Me- 
dicine, who  is  without  exception,  the  best  farrier  and 
cattle  doctor  in  this  kingdom,  was  once  called  in  by  a 
dairyman,  whose  practice  it  was  to  give  each  of  his  cows 
half  a peck  of  unbruised  oats  twice  a-day.  In  a short 
time  his  cows,  although  apparently  healthy,  gave  little 
milk,  and  were  at  length  more  or  less  attacked  with 
what  he  (the  dairyman)  termed  a sort  of  chill,  or  rather, 
a touch  of  the  yellows.  The  cow  to  which  Mr.  White 
was  requested  to  prescribe,  had  refused  her  food  seve- 
ral^times:  indeed,  she  was  incapable  of  ruminating. 
She  appeared  to  be  in  considerable  pain ; her  back  was 
drawn  up,  she  was  costive,  and  did  not  appear  to  have 
voided  urine.  She  was  very  restless,  rose  up  and  laid 
down  again,  threw  her  head  round  towards  her  belly, 
and  attempted  to  strike  it  with  one  of  her  hind  feet : 
her  ears  were  cold  ; and  her  pulse  high — about  eighty 
— or  ten  above  the  natural  and  healthy  beat.  It  was  a 
well-marked,  evident  case  of  indigestion,  attended  with 
symptoms  of  flatulent  colic,  or  gripes,  and  as  such  it 
was  treated  by  Mr.  White. — He  first  threw  up  a clys- 


46 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


ter,  of  five  quarts  of  warm  water  in  which  one  pound 
of  salt  was  dissolved.  He  then  prepared  the  following 
drench: 

RECIPE  No.  1. 

Barbadoes  aloes,  4 drams ; 

' Powdered  ginger,  1 dram  ; 

Table  salt,  4 ounces  ; 

Water,  1 quart. 

Into  the  first  hornful  of  this  nnixture,  he  put  half  an 
ounce  of  tincture  of  opium.* 

This  was  the  only  medicine  he  administered.  He 
then  ordered  the  cow  to  be  turned  out.  About  three 
or  four  hours  afterwards,  she  was  drenched  twice  with 
whey.  This  made  her  rather  sick  ; she  was,  therefore, 
turned  out  again,  and  nothing  more  given  her.  The 
drench  soon  stopped  the  gripes ; still,  there  was  great 
uneasiness,  and  evidently  an  obstruction  in  the  third 
stomach  ;f  soon  after  taking  the  whey,  she  dunged,  and 
with  her  dung  came  a considerable  number  of  oats,  as 
unchanged  in  form  and  substance  as  when  first  taken 
into  the  stomach  of  the  cow..  She  continued  very 
restless  and  uneasy  during  the  night ; and  was,  in  the 
dairyman’s  t)pinion,  getting  worse ; but  towards  morn- 
ing, she  was  relieved,  and  as  the  day  further  advanc- 
ed, recovered  so  far  as  to  be  able  to  graze. 

This  practice,  so  evidently  demonstrated  as  injurious, 
was  shortly  after  abandoned  by  the  dairyman;  and  a 
more  rational  and  succulent  description  of  food  adopt- 
ed : the  consequence  was,  his  cows  soon  become  per- 
fectly healthy,  and  more  capable  of  yielding  an  abun- 
dant produce. 

This  is  not  the  only  case  on  record,  of  the  ill  eflfects 
of  feeding  cows  on  unbruised  oats  which  might  be  enu- 
merated ; we  could  add  numbers  of  similar  examples ; 

* Mr.  White,  it  should  be  observed,  when  he  afterwards  used 
this  drench,  substituted  two  ounces  of  anodyne  carminative  tinc- 
ture, in  lieu  of  the  tincture  of  opium. 

t For  a brief  account  of  the  several  stomachs  of  the  cow,  and  a 
description  of  the  digestive  process,  see  a further  part  of  our  work* 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


47 


but  this  one  will  answer  every  purpose,  not  only  in 
shewing  the  method  of  treating  a case  of  the  kind,  but 
to  prove,  likewise,  the  impropriety  of  feeding  cows  in 
any  such  manner.  Grain,  as  we  before  stated,  is  used 
for  quite  a different  purpose  than  of  nourishing  milch 
cows, — it  has  the  very  opposite  effect  to  what  the  dai- 
ryman just  mentioned  intended, — grain  promotes  the 
formation  of  flesh  and  fat, — not  of  milk ; and  in  so  do- 
ing changes  the  disposition  of  the  animal  from  that  of 
providing  for  her  young,  to  that  of  increasing  her  spe- 
cies.— Good  milkers  rarely  carry  an  over-abundance  of 
flesh  on  their  bones ; and  it  is  a vain  attempt  to  force 
nature, — they  are  seldom  made  fat  till  they  are  done 
with  the  dairy : but  what  then  ?— they  pay  as  they  go  ; 
and,  if  properly  managed,  they  never  retire  in  our  debt. 

In  our  observations  on  the  foddering  of  neat  cattle, 
we  have  given  general  comparisons  of  the  merits 
of  the  various  kinds  of  food;  in  our  present  ar- 
ticle we  shall  extend  these  remarks  so  much  further 
only  as  concerns  the  dairyman  in  the  keeping  properly 
his  milch  cows.  For  this  purpose  we  shall  divide  our 
observations  under  two  heads. — Summer  feeding,  and 
Winter  feeding. 

Summer  feeding. — Natural  grass  is  the  first  and  best 
of  all  food  for  milch  cows.  Of  the  artificial  grasses, 
lucerne  is  to  be  preferred,  and  green  tares  are  a very 
succulent  and  nutritious  article  of  food ; but  like  all 
other  artificial  grasses,  they  must  be  used  with  care, 
giving  with  them  a little  sweet  hay,  or  other  dry  food. 

The  most  economical  method  of  managing  grass,  (and 
it  will  be  found  particularly  so,  where  the  dairyman 
may  have  only  one  or  two  small  meadows,)  is  to  keep 
it  constantly  shut,  and  free  from  the  tread  of  cows,  and 
to  cut  the  grass  as  soon  as  of  sufficient  length  and  sub- 
stance, and  carry  it  to  them ; no  more  being  cut  at 
once  than  can  be  consumed  in  the  course  of  the  day; 
the  cutting  being  made  in  the  morning,  about  an  hour 
or  two  after  the  sun  has  been  up.  This  is  to  continue 


48 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


throughout  the  season,  and  as  late  in  Autumn  as  any 
growth  can  be  obtained. 

According  to  Mr.  Curwen’s  experience,  some  years 
since,  three  acres  of  grass  cut  and  carried,  supplied 
thirty  milch  cows  with  two  stone  each,  or  twenty-eight 
pounds,  during  two  hundred  days.  This  gentleman 
observes,  that,  to  have  supplied  a similar  number  of 
cows  with  a like  quantity  for  the  same  period,  would, 
in  the  usual  way  of  management,  have  required  seven- 
ty-five acres  of  land  for  its  production.  And  to  have 
grazed  such  a number  of  cows  at  liberty,  that  length 
of  time,  must,  it  is  obvious,  have  taken  a very  consi- 
derable number  of  acres. 

This  vast  produce  from  so  small  a piece  of  land,  may 
at  first  appear  very  problematical ; but  experience 
and  good  management  will  soon  convince  the  dairyman 
that  he  may  realize  the  advantage,  great  as  it  may 
appear.  To  enable  the  meadow  to  support  this  ex- 
haustion from  the  scythe,  it  should  be  cleared  at  the 
end  of  every  autumn,  from  all  kinds  of  weeds  and  rub- 
bish, and  fresh  grass-seeds  of  the  best  kind,  cast  upon 
the  bare  places.  A coat  of  good  rotten  manure  should 
then  be  allowed,  consisting  of  all  that  can  be  collected 
from  the  household,  or  procured  elsewhere,  mixed  up 
and  augmented  with  virgin  earth. 

The  garden,  for  we  can  hardly  suppose  that  the 
dairy  will  be  unaccompanied  with  so  usual  an  appen- 
dage, will  assist,  by  its  superfluity,  in  feeding  a few 
cows ; and  cabbages,  cabbage  leaves,  or  lettuces,  as  a 
change  of  food,  will  help  to  force  the  production  of 
jnilk. — But  it  should  be  recollected,  that  too  much 
green  food  will  scour  a cow,  and  injure  her  constitu- 
tion,— a little  sweet,  good  hay,  must,  therefore,  be  al- 
lowed daily  with  such  food,  for  the  purpose  of  preserv- 
ing her  in  good  health. 

Never  adopt  a practice  so  much  to  be  condemned, 
and  so  enfeebling,  both  to  the  health,  the  comfort,  and 
the  constitution  of  milch  cows,  as  to  keep  them  entirely 
in  the  house,  both  summer  and  winter, — besides,  it  is 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


49 


altogether  against  the  interest  of  the  dairyman  to  per- 
severe in  a system  so  objectionable  in  every  point  of 
view ; experience — that  best  of  teachers — will,  if  he 
give  it  a fair  trial,  convince  him  that  exercise  abroad 
not  only  tends  to  promote  and  keep  in  good  health,  but 
invariably  assists  in  increasing  the  quantity  of  milk. 

Cows  will  do  well  if  in  summer  they  be  turned  upon 
a common  or  waste,  to  remain,  or  come  home  at  their 
own  pleasure,  being  full  fed^  morning  and  evening,  with 
cut  grass ; provided  the  constant  caution  be  observed 
of  allowing  them  shelter  in  the  fly  season  ; or  they  may 
lie  abroad  during  summer  nights,  in  a well-littered 
yard,  or  a secure  waste,  a sufficiency  of  cut  grass  being 
at  their  command.  If  one  cow  be  observed  to  drive 
another,  and  to  maintain  a constant  mastery,  let  her 
be  tied  up  to  enable  the  others  to  feed  at  liberty. 

Pure  water  is  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  the 
health  and  productiveness  of  milch  cows  ; they  should 
never  have  any  other,  or  the  most  serious  consequences 
will  inevitably  result.  Water  for  cows  should  be 
pumped  into  stone  troughs,  which  should  be  kept  sweet 
and  clean  ; and  they  should  be  allowed  to  drink  mode- 
rately two  or  three  times  a day. 

Dr.  Jenner,  who  conferred  that  great  blessing  on 
mankind — the  cow-pock  inoculation — considered  that 
giving  pure  water  to  cows  was  of  more  importance  than 
persons  are  generally  aware.  There  were  farmers  in 
his  neighbourhood,  whose  cows,  while  they  drank  the 
pond  water,  were  rarely  ever  free  from  red-water,  or 
swelled  udders;  and  the  losses  they  sustained  from 
these  causes,  together  with  the  numerous  abortions 
their  cows  suffered,  increased  to  an  alarming  extent. 
One  of  them,  at  length,  supposing  that  the  water  they 
drank  had  something  to  do  with  producing  their  disor- 
ders, sunk  three  wells  on  different  parts  of  the  farm, 
and  pumped  the  water  into  troughs  for  the  cattle. 
His  success  was  gratifying  ; the  red-water  soon  ceased, 
the  swelling  of  the  udder  subsided  ; and  the  produce  of 
the  renovated  animals  increased  both  in  quantity  and 

E 


50 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


quality.  The  other  farmers  followed  the  same  prac- 
tice ; and  in  less  than  six  months,  not  a case  of  red 
water,  swollen  udder,  or  abortion,  was  heard  of  in  the 
neighbourhood. 

For  Winter  feeding,  the  chief  dependance  is,  or 
should  be,  good,  sweet  hay,  and  occasionally  Swedish 
turnips,  and  sugar-loaf  cabbages.  Some  dairymen 
think  after-math  hay,  or  rowen,  as  it  is  called,  suffi- 
ciently good  for  wnnter-feed  ; but  others,  whose  expe- 
rience leads  them  to  adopt  the  niost  judicious  plans, 
give  their  milch  cows  the  best  hay  they  can  get ; wise- 
ly reasoning,  that  an  abundant  supply  of  good  milk  is 
worth  more  than  the  best  hay  ; and  certain  it  is,  that 
animals  thus  fed  are  very  rarely  deficient  either  in  the 
quantity  or  quality  of  their  produce.  There  are  many 
nutritious  and  succulent  vegetables,  which  make  an 
excellent  change,  or  rather  mixture,  with  hayfeeding, 
viz.  cabbages,  carrots,  potatoes,  yellow  beet,  &c. 
Bruized  furze-tops  are  also  very  good,  and  assist  to 
make  capital  winter  butter. 

Cabbages  should  be  given  moderately ; but  turnips, 
unless  of  the  Swedish  kind,  notwithstanding  all  that 
has  been  said  to  the  contrary,  make  thin  milk  and  poor 
butter.  Carrots  are  an  excellent  winter-feed  ; so  is 
yellow  beet,  and  also  mangel-w^urzel,  but  this  must  be 
used  cautiously,  and  never  without  sw^eet  hay,  as  it  is 
an  astringent,  and  sometimes,  if  eaten  of  too  greedily, 
will  hove,  or  blast  milch  cow^s. — Potatoes  should  always 
be  well  washed,  and  baked  or  steamed  ; or  if  ever 
given  raw,  must  be  washed  quite  clean,  mashed,  and 
mixed  with  good  hay,  or  else  they  are  very  liable  to 
bring  on  the  scouring  rot.  An  occasional  feed  of  crush- 
ed or  bruised  oats,  or  6ne  pollard,  will  be  very  useful. 
— Oil-cake  should  never  be  used, — it  produces  greasy 
ill-scented  butter,  and  has  a similar  effect  on  the  flesh 
of  the  animal. 

London,  from  the  immense  population  ic  contains, 
has,  and  always  w^ill,  occasion  a great  demand  for  milk  : 
— dairy-farming,  therefore,  in  the  environs  of  the  me- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


51 


tropolis,  is  an  important  and  generally  a profitable  un- 
dertaking. It  has  been  estimated  that  there  are  up- 
wards of  10,000  milch  cows  kept  in  the  environs  of  the 
Brilish  capital,  for  the  supply  of  milk  alone;  .the  high 
price  demanded  for  the  land  on  which  they  are  fed, 
on  the  one  hand ; and  the  ready  sale  of  all  the  milk 
they  produce,  on  the  other,  equally  tending  to  prevent 
any  part  of  it  finding  its  way  to  market  either  in  the 
form  of  butter  or  cheese. 

In  several  parts  of  the  metropolis,  there  are  persons 
who  keep  from  two  or  three  to  a dozen  cows,  pent  up 
either  in  a cellar,  or  a shed  at  the  back  part  of  their 
premises : many  of  these  animals  never  see  a green 
field  from  the  moment  they  are  purchased  by  the  dairy- 
man, as  their  owner  stiles  himself,  to  the  day  they  are 
sold  to  the  butcher ; others  are  occasionally  treated  to 
an  hour  or  two’s  crop  of  some  neighbouring  close-trod- 
den pasture ; but  they  are  all  fed  on  grains,  mangel- 
wurzel,  hay,  and  distillers’  wash  : the  consequence  is, 
the  milk  is  poor  in  quality,  and  very  different  from  the 
nourishing  article  produced  by  those  animals  who  graze 
in  the  open  air  on  the  invigorating  food  plentifully  be- 
stowed by  the  liberal  hand  of  nature. 

In  the  environs  of  the  metropolis,  however,  there  are 
several  large  dairy  farms,  in  each  of  which  some  hun- 
dred milch  cows  are  kept.  Among  these,  Islington,  a 
large  village,  two  miles  northwest  of  the  city,  has  been 
celebrated  from  the  earliest  periods  for  the  great  sup- 
ply of  this  nourishing  article  of  early  life  which  it  has 
always  produced;  in  this  place,  before  the  building 
innovations  of  modern  times  covered  its  extensive  and 
luxuriant  fields^  with  new  streets,  connecting  it  even 
with  the  metropolis  itself,  there  were  a great  number 
of  dairy  farms  of  all  sizes;  from  the  hunible  owner  of 
his  solitary  cow,  to  the  opulent  possessor  of  nearly  a 
thousand  ; they  have  now,  from  the  loss  of  pasture 
land,  nearly  all  merged  into  two,  but  those  two  are 
the  most  extensive  dairy  farmers  near  London. 

The  proprietors  of  these  two  dairy  farms,  Mr.  Lay- 


52 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


cock,  and  Mr.  Rhodes,  each  possess  a stock  of  from  500 
to  700  milch  cows,  principally  of  the  large-sized,  short- 
horned  Holder  ness  breed  : that  sort  being  the  most  es- 
teemed for  the  pail.  The  land  upon  which  they  are  fed, 
is  principally  of  the  meadow  and  pasture  kind,  kept  in 
a highly  productive  state,  and  generally  mown  twice  a 
year ; the  great  quantity  of  excellent  manure  procured 
from  the  cows  enabling  the  proprietors  to  give  it  fre- 
quent and  good  dressings : the  hay  obtained  is  conse- 
quently rich  and  nutritious;  and  of  a soft,  grassy 
quality,  being  cut  before  the  seedling  stems  arise, — at 
least  three  weeks  before  it  would  be  advisable  to  do  so 
for  horse  feed. 

We  have  been  favoured,  from  an  authentic  source, 
with  an  accurate  account  of  the  manner  in  which  the 
principal  Islington  cowkeepers  feed  their  cows  j this  is 
as  follows : 

Tha  edws  during  the  night  are  confined  in  stalls; 
about  three  o’clock  in  the  morning  each  has  half  a 
bushel  of  grains.  From  four  till  half  past  six,  they  are 
milked  by  the  retail  dealers.  When  the  milking  is 
finished,  a bushel  basket  of  turnips  is  given  to  each 
cow,  and  soon  afterwards,  the  tenth  part  of  a truss  of 
fine,  soft,  grassy  hay.  These  feedings  are  all  given 
before  eight  o’clock  in  the  morning,  at  which  time  the 
cows  are  turned  out  into  the  farmyard,  or  home-stead.^ 
At  twelve  o’clock,  they  are  again  confined  to  their 
stalls,  and  a similar  quantity  of  grains  allotted  as  in  the 
morning.  At  half  past  one,  the  milking  again  com- 
mences, and  lasts  till  about  three,  at  which  time  the 
same  quantity  of  turnips,  and  afterwards  hay,  is  given 
as  before.  This  mode  of  feeding  continues  during  the 
whole  of  the  turnip  season,  which  is  from  September 
to  April  or  May.  During  the  other  months  of  the  year, 
they  are  fed  with  grains,  cabbages,  and  tares,  instead 
of  turnips,  with  the  same  quantity  of  rowen,  or  second- 
cut  meadow  hay,  and  are  continued  to  be  fed  and  milk- 
ed with  the  same  regularity  as  before  described,  until 
they  are  turned  out  to  grass ; when  they  continue  in 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


53 


the  fields  all  night,  and  even  during  this  season  grains 
are  given  to  them,  which  are  kept  sweet  and  palat- 
able by  being  buried  in  deep  pits  for  that  purpose  till 
wanted. 

The  calves  are  generally  sent  to  Smithfield  at  two 
or  three  days  old  ; wh^ : ) they  are  bought  by  jobbers  and 
others  to  be  reared,  or  Cattened  for  the  butcher.  Those 
cows  that  give  the  most  milk  are  not  found,  in  general, 
sufficiently  productive  to  be  kept  longer  than  three  or 
four  years ; when  they  are  fattened  and  sold  to  the 
butcher.  The  quantity  averaged  from  each  cow  is 
estimated  at  about  nine  quarts  per  day. 

Besides  the  keep  already  mentioned,  the  cows  on 
these  two  dairy  farms  have  a portion  of  distiller’s  wash 
now  and  then  mixed  with  their  dry  provender.  Their 
food  is  also  occasionally  varied  with  potatoes,  and  man- 
gel-wurzel, great  quanties  of  which  are  now  consumed 
by  the  cowkeepers  in  the  vicinity  of  the  metropolis, 
and  sometimes  procured  from  places  many  miles  dis- 
tant. 

The  milk  is  conveyed  from  the  cow-house  in  tin 
pails,  which  are  carried  principally  by  strong  robust 
Welch  girls  and  women,  who  retail  the  same  about  the 
streets  of  the  metropolis.  It  is  amazing  to  witness  the 
labour  and  fatigue  these  females  will  undergo,  and  the 
hilarity  and  cheerfulness  which  prevail  among  them, 
and  which  tend  greatly  to  lighten  their  very  laborious 
employment.  Even  in  the  most  inclement  weather, 
and  in  the  depth  of  winter,  they  arrive  in  parties 
from  different  parts  of  the  metropolis  by  three  or  four 
o’clock  in  the  morning,  laughing  and  singing  to  the  mu- 
sic of  their  empty  pails  : with  them  they  return  loaded 
to  town ; and  the  weight  they  are  thus  accustomed  to 
carry  on  their  yokes,  for  a distance  of  two  or  three 
miles,  is  sometimes  from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred 
and  thirty  pounds. 

Milch  cows  should  never  be  exposed  by  night  to  the 
inclemency  of  the  winter  season,  as  it  chills  them,  lays 
the  foundation  of  a train  of  diseases,  dries  up  part  of 
E 2 


54 


^ farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


their  milk,  and  keeps  them  backward  in  all  beneficial 
respects.  At  any  rate  they  should  have  a well  littered 
shed,  in  which  they  'may  repose  in  comfort,  and  with 
their  loins  dry — a matter  of  great  consequence  to  their 
health. 

We  have  divided  feeding  under  two  distinct  heads, 
summer  and  winter,  because  the  subject  seemed  to  de- 
mand it,  the  remarks  for  the  one  season  not  being  so 
applicable  to  the  other ; — but  there  is  an  equally-im- 
portant  consideration,  not  so  confined  to  time  or  season, 
but  which  is  alike  necessary  at  all  times,  and  at  all 
seasons, — and  that  is  cleanliness.  Not  only  must  the 
cow-house  or  stable  be  kept  clean,  and  well  ventilated 
both  in  summer  and  winter,  but  the  animal  herself,  if 
her  health  be  a matter  of  consideration,  must  also  be 
kept  perfectly  clean  in  every  part.  Upon  the  conti- 
nent, milch  cows  are  carefully  attended  to,  rubbed 
down,  and  curry-combed  like  horses ; and  their  gene- 
ral improvement,  both  in  health  and  produce,  well  re- 
pays the  trouble.  We  do  not  insist  on  the  necessity  of 
this  extreme  care ; but  we  most  earnestly  intreat  dairy- 
men to  rub  them  down,  at  least  daily,  with  a wisp  of 
hay  or  straw,  and  to  be  careful  that  in  every  other  re- 
spect they  and  their  stable  are  kept  perfectly  clean, 
sweet,  and  wholesome. 

It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  in  the  management  of 
a dairy,  that  cows  should  be  treated  with  gentleness, 
and  soothed  by  mild  treatment,  especially  when  young 
and  ticklish,  or  when  the  teals  are  tender,  in  which  case 
the  udder  should  be  bathed  with  warm  water  before 
milking,  and  touched  with  a little  of  the  best  salad 
oil.  They  should  then  be  milked  with  the  greatest 
gentleness,  or  they  will  be  likely  to  become  stubborn 
and  unruly.  By  some  it  is  considered  necessary 
always  to  wash  the  udder  before  milking  with  clean 
water ; and  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  tins  practice 
conduces  materially  to  render  the  operation  more  easy 
to  the  animal. 

It  is  the  general  practice  to  milk  cows  twice  a day 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


56 


only,  viz,  morning  and  afternoon,  or  evening ; but  when 
they  are  abundantly  fed  with  the  artificial  grasses,  it 
is  adviseable  to  milk  them  three  times  a day,  viz.  very 
early  in  the  morning,  at  noon,  and  at  night;  for  if  only 
milked  twice  a day  when  liberally  supplied  with  succu- 
lent and  nutritious  food,  they  will  yield  a much  smaller 
quantity  of  milk  in  the  twenty-four  hours,  than  if  milked 
three  times.  It  has  indeed  been  remarked  by  some 
attentive  and  experienced  dairymen,  on  this  head,  that 
a cow  in  these  circumstances  will  give  nearly  as  much 
milk  at  each  time  of  milking,  if  milked  three  times,  as 
if  she  were  milked  only  twice.  And  it  has  been  clearly 
ascertained,  that  if  the  milk  be  not  thoroughly  drawn 
oflf  at  each  time  of  milking,  not  only  will  the  quantity 
be  diminished,  but  the  quality  also  will  be  impared ; 
the  last  milk,  moreover,  is  always  the  richest,  accord- 
ing to  the  remark  of  an  experienced  Cheshire  dairy- 
man— ‘‘  Each  succeeding  drop  which  a cow  gives  at  a 
meal,  excels  the  preceding  one  in  richness.’’  The  milk 
that  is  left  in  the  udder  seems  to  be  absorbed  into  the 
system,  and  nature  generates  no  more  than  to  supply 
the  waste  of  what  has  been  taken  away ; and  by  per- 
severing in  that  practice,  the  diminution  of  milk  con- 
tinues, until  at  length  no  milk  is  formed.  This  is  the 
best  practice  w^hen  it  is  intended  to  dry  up  the  udder. 

Dr.  Anderson,  a gentlemajn  who  devoted  much  time 
and  attention  to  the  improvement  of  the  dairy,  made  a 
series  of  experiments  to  determine  this  important  ques- 
tion. He  had  ten  cups,  all  of  the  same  weight,  size, 
and  shape,  filled  at  ten  diflferent  intervals  from  one 
milking  of  a cow  : the  first  cup  contained  the  first  of 
the  milk ; and  the  last,  the  dregs  of  the  streakings.  The 
milk  in  the  first  cup  was  a thin  blueish  liquid,  similar 
in  appearance  to  mixed  milk  and  water,  and  yielded  a 
cream  of  a thin  tough  film ; while  that  in  the  last  cup 
was  of  a thick  consistence  and  yellow  colour,  more  re- 
sembling cream  than  milk  in  taste,  and  gave  cream  of 
a thick  buttery  consistence,  and  of  a glowing  richness 
of  colour  that  no  other  kind  of  cream  is  found  to  possess. 


56 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


The  contents  of  the  intermediate  cups  gave  a similar 
result ; the  goodness  and  richness  of  the  milk  and  cream 
increasing  in  a similar  proportion. 

From  this  important  experiment  it  is  evident,  that  a 
person  who,  by  bad  or  part  milking,  loses  but  half  a 
pint  of  milk  at  the  conclusion,  loses  in  fact  as  much 
cream  as  would  be  afforded  by  five  or  six  pints  at  the 
begining,  and  loses  besides  that  part  of  the  cream  which 
alone  can  give  richness  and  high  flavour  to  the  butter. 

The  same  gentleman  made  a second  experiment  of  a 
different  nature,  but  equally  important  in  its  results; 
which  was,  to  ascertain  the  quality  of  the  cream  thrown 
up  at  various  periods  from  the  milk ; from  which  he 
proved  that  the  first  cream  thrown  by  milk  put  in  a dish 
for  the  purpose,  was  richer  in  quality  and  greater  in 
quantity,  than  that  which  rises  in  a second  equal  portion 
of  time  ; and  the  second  more  and  better  than  the  third, 
and  so  on  ; the  cream  decreasing  in  quantity,  and  de- 
clining in  quality,  so  long  as  any  rises  to  the  surface.. 

The  previous  observations  apply  to  dairies  in  which 
there  are  a dozen  or  more  milch  cows ; but  there  are 
persons  who  keep  one  or  two  cows,  to  whom  they  are 
alike  applicable. 

Cobbett,  in  his  “ Cottage  Economy,” — a work  which, 
whatever  opinions  may  be  formed  of  the  writer,  is  re- 
ally useful,  and  contains'*  much  valuable  information, 
recommends  every  cottager  to  keep  a cow,— and  gives 
some  excellent  instructions  for  supporting  it  upon  the 
produce  of  forty  rods  of  land.  The  cow  he  supposes  to 
be  of  the  common  small  kind,  and  to  require  about  seven- 
ty or  eighty  pounds  of  good  moist  food  in  the  twenty-four 
hours.  The  way  in  which  this  quantity  of  food  is  to  be 
raised  from  forty  rods  of  land,  is  as  follows. 

The  ground  being  cleared  of  trees  and  bushes,  is  to  be 
dug  deeply  in  spring,  or,  which  is  better,  to  be  trenched, 
and  in  April  or  May  to  be  laid  up  in  ridges  made  high 
and  sharp,  about  two  feet  apart.  When  the  weeds 
appear  about  [three  inches  high,  the  ridges  are  to  be 
turned  into  the  furrows,  never  moving  the  ground  hut 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


57 


in  dry  weather  : by  this  means  the  weeds  will  be  bu- 
ried. This  is  to  be  repeated  as  often  as  the  weeds  rise 
to  a similar  height. 

Being  thus  prepared,  about  the  26th  of  August,  but 
not  earlier^  prepare  a rod  of  your  ground ; put  some 
manure  into  it,  and  sow  one  half  of  it  with  early  York 
cabbage-seed,  and  the  other  half  with  sugar-loaf  cab- 
bage seed,  both  of  the  true  sort,  in  little  drills  eight  in- 
ches apart,  and  the  seeds  thin  in  the  drills.  If  the  plants 
come  up  at  two  inches  apart  (they  should  be  thinned  if 
they  come  up  thicker)  you  will  have  plenty.  As  soon 
as  fairly  out  of  the  ground,  hoe  the  ground  rather  deep- 
ly ; and  repeat  the  same  in  a few  days.  Now  make 
fine  and  manure  another  rod  or  two,  into  which  prick 
out  the  plants  as  soon  as  they  have  six  leaves,  which 
will  be  in  a short  time.  Plant  them  four  thousand  of 
each  in  rows  at  eight  inches  apart,  and  three  inches  in 
the  row.  Hoe  the  ground  between  them  often,  and 
they  will  grow  fast,  and  be  straight  and  strong.  These 
plants  so  pricked  oufj  will,  most  probably  take  four  rods 
of  ground. 

Early  in  November,  or,  as  the  weather  may  permit, 
a little  earlier  or  later,  lay  manure  between  the  ridges 
in  the  other  thirty-six  rods ; turn  the  ridges  over  on  this 
manure,  and  then  transplant  your  plants  on  the  ridges 
at  fifteen  inches  apart,  where  they  will  stand  the  win- 
ter. If  any  fail,  prick  more  out  to  replace  them.  Your 
thirty-six  rods  will  thus  take  up  your  four  thousand 
plants.  If  the  winter  be  severe,  you  can  cover  your 
bed  where  your  plants  are,  although  you  may  not  be 
able  to  cover  the  thirty  rods  of  planted  out.  Litter, 
straw,  dead  grass,  or  fern,  laid  along  between  the  rows 
and  the  plants,  so  as  not  to  cover  the  plants,  will  pre- 
serve them  completely.  As  often  as  any  fail  later  in  the 
winter,  supply  their  places.  If  you  find  the  ground  dry 
at  the  top  during  the  winter,  hoe  it,  particularly  near 
the  plants,  and  rout  out  all  slugs  and  insects.  And  in 
March,  when  the  ground  is  dry,  hoe  deep  and  well,  and 
earth  the  plants  up  close  to  the  lower  leaves.  As  soon 


58 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


as  the  plants  begin  to  grow,  dig  the  ground  with  a spade 
clean  and  well,  letting  the  spade  go  as  nearly  as  possi- 
ble to  the  plants,  without  displacing  any  of  them.  Give 
them  another  digging  in  a month  ; and,  if  weeds  come 
in  the  mean  time,  hoe,  and  destroy  them.  By  the  be- 
ginning of  June,  you  will  have  turned-in  cabbages  ; and, 
shortly  after,  solid  early  Yorks. 

It  is  at  this  time  you  are  to  purchase  your  cow, — 
of  the  place  you  are  to  keep  her  in,  we  shall  speak  by 
and  bye.  The  present  subject  is,  her  food.  The  thir- 
ty-six rods,  if  the  cabbages  all  stood  till  they  grew  so- 
lid, would  yield  food  for  two  hundred  days,  at  eighty 
pounds  per  day,  which  is  more  than  she  would  want. 
At  first,  however,  some  must  be  used  that  are  not  so- 
lid ; and  afterwards  some  will  split  before  you  can  use 
them.  You  will,  therefore,  have  pigs,  to  help  oiSf  with 
them,  and  to  gnaw  the  heads  of  the  stumps. 

In  March,  and  again  in  April,  sow  more  early  Yorks, 
and  get  them  to  be  fine  stout  plants,  as  you  did  those 
in  the  fall.  Dig  up  the  ground,  and  manure  it,  and,  as 
fast  as  you  cut  cabbages,  plant  cabbages,  in  the  same 
manner,  and  with  the  same  cultivation  as  before. 
Your  last  planting  will  be  about  the  middle  of  August, 
with  stout  plants,  and  these  will  serve  you  into  Novem- 
ber. 

You  have  now  to  provide  from  December  to  May, 
and  that,  too,  out  of  the  same  forty  rods  of  ground ; to 
do  this,  you  must  have  arrived  at  perfection  by  the 
month  of  November  three  thousand  turnip  plants: 
these,  v/ithout  the  greens,  must  weigh  on  an  average 
five  pounds  each,  and  will,  at  eighty  pounds  a day,  keep 
the  cow  one  hundred  and  eighty-seven  days,  being  five 
days  more  than  there  are  in  the  six  months.  The 
greens  will  have  helped  out  the  latest  cabbages  to  car- 
ry you  into  December : but  for  these  six  months  you 
must  depend  on  nothing  but  the  Swedish  turnips. 

The  plan  you  must  pursue  to  obtain  this  quantity  of 
turnips  from  the  same  ground  that  bears  the  cabbages, 
is  simply  as  follows : When  at  your  outset,  you  plant 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


59 


your  cabbages,  first  put  a row  of  early  Yorks,  then  a 
row  of  sugar-loaves,  and  so  on  throughout  the  piece. 
Of  course,  as  you  are  to  use  your  early  Yorks  first,  you 
will  cut  every  other  row;  and  the  early  Yorks  that 
you  are  to  plant  in  Summer  will  go  into  the  intervals. 
By-and-bye,  the  sugar-loaves  are  cut  away,  and  in 
their  place  will  come  Swedish  turnips,  you  digging  and 
manuring  the  ground  as  in  the  case  of  the  cabbages ; 
you  will  thus,  at  last,  find  nearly  sixteen  rods  not  re- 
quired for  cabbages,  it  being  not  only  now  too  late,  but 
also  unnecessary  to  go  further  on  with  planting  them. 
Here,  then,  the  Swedish  turnips  will  stand  in  rows  two 
feet  apart,  and  always  a foot  apart  row  from  row. 
The  required  quantity  of  three  thousand  turnips,  will 
thus  be  easily  obtained ; and  if  they  do  not  average 
the  weight  given,  the  fault  must  be  either  in  the  seed, 
or  in  your  management. 

These  Swedish  turnips  are  to  be  raised  in  this  man- 
ner; the  plants  left  in  the  four  rods  in  which  you  sow- 
ed, and  from  which  you  pricked  out,  your  cabbage 
plants,  will,  in  April,  serve  your  family  for  greens ; 
your  pig,  also,  (for  where  a cow  is  kept,  a pig  may  be 
maintained  in  addition  at  a very  trifling  expence)  will 
help  you  to  get^id  of  them.  In  the  last  week  of  May, 
prepare  a quarter  of  a rod  of  this  ground,  and  sow  it, 
precisely  as  directed  for  cabbage-seed,  with  Sweedish 
turnip-seed ; and  sow,  every  third  day,  a quarter  of  a 
rod,  till  two  rods  are  sown.  The  fly  will  sometimes  ap- 
pear : when  this  is  the  case,  cover  the  rows  over  in 
the  day  time  with  the  cabbage  leaves,  and  take  the 
leaves  off  at  night;  hoe  well  between  the  plants;  and, 
when  safe  from  the  fly,  thin  them  to  four  inches  apart 
in  the  row.  The  two  rods  will  yield  you  nearly  five 
thousand  plants.  From  this  bed  draw  your  plants,  to 
transplant  to  the  ground  where  your  cabbages  were, 
as  before  shewn.  Do  not  begin  transplanting  before 
the  middle  of  July,  and  finish  not  later  than  the  middle 
of  August.  In  the  two  rods  from  whence  you  have 
drawn  the  turnips  for  transplanting,  you  may  leave  the 


60 


farmer’s  axd  grazier’s 


remaining  plants  to  conie  to  perfection,  at  two  feet  dis- 
tance each  way ; which  will  yield  you  eight  hundred 
and  forty  pounds  weight  of  turnips,  over  and  above 
your  demand,  to  provide  for  any  accidental  failure,  or 
as.  food  for  the  pig.  The  two  remaining  rods  of  the 
four,  will  be  ground  sufficient  to  sow  cabbages  in  at  the 
end  of  August,  as  directed  for  last  year. 

You  are  to  observe  that  the  turnip  plants  are  to  be 
transplanted  just  in  the  same  manner  as  directed  for 
the  cabbage-plants ; and  that  both  should  be  trans- 
planted in  dry  weather,  and  in  ground  but  just  fresh 
digged.  Also  that  the  turnips  are  to  be  of  the  Swedish 
kind  ; for  the  wkite  turnip^  which  is  at  best  but  a poor 
root,  makes  miserable  butter ; as  does  also  the  large 
cattle  ^cabbage ; both  must  therefore  be  avoided ; ahd 
the  best  way  to  do  so,  is,  perhaps,  fo  /o//ozy  implicitly 
the  directions  previously  laid  down,  not  only  as  to  the 
sorts  of  seed  required,  but  also  as  to  the  manner  of  their 
cultivation ; and  then  you  may  depend  on  having  as 
sweet  milk  and  as  good  butter,  as  can  be  obtained 
from  any  cow,  upon  whatever  she  may  be  fed.  And 
the  only  way  in  which  your  butter  can  imbibe  any  ill 
taste,  is  from  your  suffering  any  sluttishness  in  any  of 
the  dairy  tackle.  Churns,  pans,  pails,  \vall,  floor,  and 
all  in  and  about  the  dairy,  must  be  kept  sweet  and  clean; 
and,  above  all,  the  pans  must  be  boiled. 

As,  however,  in  spite  of  your  best  efforts,  you  may 
be  deceived  in  the  purchase  of  your  turnip  seed  : (and 
if  you  are,  all  your  after  labour  is  thrown  away),  the 
best  way  is  to  get  a dozen  of  fine  turnip  plants,  perfect 
in  all  respects,  and  plant  them  in  a situation  where  the 
smell  of  the  blossoms  of  nothing  of  the  cabbage,  or  rape, 
or  turnip,  or  even  charlock  kind,  can  reach  them. 
Seeds  thus  obtained  will  keep  good  for  four  years. 

When  the  Swedish  turnips  are  ready  to  take  up, 
the  tops  must  be  cut  off,  if  not  cut  off  before,  and  also 
the  roots ; but  neither  roots  nor  top  should  be  cut  off 
very  close.  Put  as  many  as  you  can  (say  ten  or  twenty 
bushels)  of  the  bulbs  in  the  house  or  shed ; heap  up 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


G1 


the  rest  upon  the  ground  in  a round  form,  and  lei  it  rise 
up  to  a point ; putting  ten  bushels  only  in  each  heap. 
Lay  over  it  a little  litter,  straw,  or  dead  grass,  about 
three  inches  thick,  and  then  earth  over  all,  about  six 
inches  thick.  Then  cut  a thin  round  green  turf,  about 
eighteen  inches  over,  and  with  it  cover  the  crown  of 
the  heap,  to  prevent  the  earth  being  washed  off. 
These  heaps,  thus  stored,  will  remain  uninjured  till 
wanted  for  use.  When  given  to  the  cow,  it  will  be 
best  to  wash  the  Swedish  turnips,  and  cut  each  into 
two  or  three  pieces.  If  in  the  spring,  they  should  be 
found  sprouting,  open  the  remaining  heaps,  and  expose 
them  to  the  sun  or  winds : then  cover  them  again 
slightly  with  straw  or  litter,  and  they  will  generally 
keep  good  till  wanted  for  use. 

The  shed  in  which  your  cow  is  kept,  should  be  so 
built,  as  to  afford  her  at  all  times  a warm  comfortable 
lodging;  the  floor  should  be  paved  with  stones,  of  some 
sort  or  other ; and  sloped,  but  not  too  much.  A broad 
trough,  or  box,  fixed  up  at  the  head  of  the  cow,  is  the 
thing  to  give  her  food  in ; and  she  should  be  fed  three 
times  a day,  always  at  day  light,  at  noon,  and  at  sun- 
set. If  her  shed  be  near  a common,  she  will,  of  course, 
be  turned  out  in  the  day  time,  except  in  very  wet  and 
severe  weather;  but  if  there  is  no  common  near  at 
hand,  there  is,  most  likely,  a green  lane,  and  she  may 
be  suffered  to  graze  or  pick  along  its  sides. 

According  to  the  present  practice,  a miserable  taU 
of  bad  hay,  is  in  too  many  cases  the  wretched  win- 
ter sustenance  of  too  many  labourer’s  cows,  in  addition 
to  what  they  can  pick  up  from  the  green  lanes,  or  road 
sides;  this  can  hardly  be  called  food;  the  consequence 
is,  the  cow  is  both  dry  and  lousy,  nearly  half  the  year  ; 
instead  of  being  dry  only  about  fifteen  days  before 
calving,  and  being  sleek  and  lusty  at  the  end  of  the 
winter,  to  which  a warm  lodging  greatly  contributes. 
For,  observe,  if  you  keep  a cow,  at  any  time  between 
September  and  June,  continually  out  in  a field  or  yard, 
to  endure  all  chances  of  weather,  she  will  not,  though 

F 


62 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


rfie  have  food  precisely  the  same  in  quantity  or  quality,, 
yield  above  two4hirds  as  much  as  if  she  were  lodged 
in  her  house ; and  in  wet  weather,  she  will  not  yield 
half  so  much.  It  is  not  so  much  the  cold,  as  the  wet, 
that  is  injurious  to  ail  our  stock  in  England. 

The  manure  required  for  these  forty  rods  of  land  is 
easily  obtained ; at  first  it  must  be  provided  by  collec- 
tions made  on  the  road,  and  by  the  results  of  the  resi- 
dence in  his  cottage.  Let  any  one  clean  out  every 
place  about  his  dwelling,  and  rake,  scrape,  and  sweep 
all  into  a heap,  and  he  will  find  he  has  a great  deal. 
Every  act  that  tends  to  cleanness  and  neatness  in  or 
about  a dwelling,  tends  to  the  creating  of  a mass  of  ma- 
nure. Every  thing  of  animal  or  vegetable  substance 
that  goes  into  a house,  must  go  out  of  it  again,  in  one 
shape  or  another.  The  very  emptying  of  vessels  of  va- 
rious kinds,  on  a heap  of  common  earth,  makes  it  a 
heap  of  the  best  manure.  Thus,  for  the  outset ; when 
you  have  a cow,  your  trouble  of  collection  will  be  all 
over;  you  will  then  have  ample,  and  especially  if  you 
have  a pig.  Enough  will  be  created  by  these  two  ani- 
mals, with  a common  degree  of  attention  on  your  part 
to  their  4^1canliness,  for  an  acre  of  ground.  And,  let  it 
be  observed,  that,  after  a time,  it  will  be  unnecessary, 
and  would  even  be  injurious,  to  manure  for  every  crop, 
for  that  would  produce  more  stalk  and  green  than  sub- 
stantial part.  You  ought  to  depend  more  on  the  spade 
and  the  hoe,  than  on  the  dung-heap.  Nevertheless, 
the  greatest  care  should  be  taken  to  preserve  the  dung 
heap.  The  best  way  to  preserve  manure,  is  to  have  a 
pit  of  sufficient  dimensions  close  behind  the  cow-house 
and  pig-stye,  for  the  run  for  these  to  go  into,  and  from 
which  all  runs  of  rain-water  should  be  kept.  Into  this 
pit  would  go  the  emptying  of  the  shed,  and  of  the  stye, 
and  the  produce  of  all  sweepings  and  cleanings  round 
the  house:  and  thus  a large  mass  of  manure  would 
soon  heap  together,  more  than  you  will  require ; the 
residue  you  may  exchange  for  straw,  of  which  you  will 
require  one  good  load  of  rye  or  wheat  straw,  for  the 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


63 


winter,  and  half  a load,  for  the  summer;  unless  the 
neighbouring  common  will  supply  you  with  rushes^ 
grassy  furze,  or  fern. 

Such  are  the  excellent  directions  given  by  Cobbett, 
in  his  useful  work,  “ Cottage  Economy  f and  we  have 
only  to  remark,  as  an  opinion  of  our  own,  that  the  ad- 
dition of  a little  sweet,  good  hay,  to  the  greens  and  tur- 
nips, is  all  that  would  ever  be  required  to  preserve  the 
cow  in  health,  strength,  and  flesh ; and  to  insure  an 
abundant  supply  of  good  milk. 

•In  concluding  our  hints  to  dairymen  we  will  just  add, 
that  if  he  have  a sufficient  range  of  good  grass  land,  he 
can,  as  a matter  of  course,  best  aflbrd  to  keep  the  larg- 
est breed  of  cows  ; but  if  he  possess  but  little,  and  that 
little  of  ordinary  quality,  he  had  better  make  choice  of 
a small  stock,  which  will  shift  with  a moderate  bite, 
and  are  not  too  heavy  to  labour  through  the  day  to  fill 
themselves  : however,  he  must  recollect,  that  the  poor* 
est  heath-croppers  will  make  but  a sorry  figure  at  the 
pail,  without  a good  allowance  of  extra  provision. 


OF  THE  MANAGEMENT  OF  COWS 

Before,  during,  and  after 

CAZiVING-. 

Breeding  is  an  important  process  in  the  animal  eco- 
nomy ; and  in  most  of  the  domestic  animals  it  is  en- 
couraged by  mankind  as  a source  of  profit.— To  none 
can  this  remark  be  more  applicable  than  to  the  cow ; 
for  not  only  does  she  produce  an  offspring  whose  worth 
is  a matter  of  consequence;  but  she  also  continues  to 
enrich  her  keeper  by  abundantly  yielding  her  rich  lac- 
tiferous store — converted  by  his  interest  from  being  the 


64 


farmer's  and  grazier's 


source  of  nourishment  to  her  progeny  into  a source  of 
profit  to  himself. 

This  same  feeling,  of  making  the  most  of  the  animals 
in  his  possession,  often  urges  the  inconsiderate  owner 
to  attempt  to  outstrip,  or  rather,  to  force  nature ; but 
the  attempt  in  such  case  recoils  on  himself — for  instead 
of  obtaining  the  daily  golden  egg,  he  too  often  finds 
his  premature  haste  has  destroyed  bis  bird,  eggs  and 
all. 

These  remarks  apply  with  greatest  force  to  those 
inconsiderate  persons  who,  anxious  to  anticipate  their 
most  sanguine  hopes,  injure  their  stock  by  putting  their 
heifers  prematurely  to  breed,  and  who,  did  they  but 
endure  another  season  of  necessary  delay,  would  give 
time  for  nature  to  perfect  her  work  of  maturity,  and 
ensure  a healthy  otfspring ; but  those  persons,  by  an 
injurious  and  injudicious  haste,  destroy  the  stamina  of 
the  animal’s  constitution,  entail  a feeble  and  unhealthy 
issue,  exhaust  the  powers  of  the  devoted  animal,  and 
not  only  shorten  her  life,  but  occasion  many  and  serious 
disorders. 

Heifers  should  not  on  any  account  be  put  to  bull  be- 
fore they  have  passed  the  second  year  of  their  existence; 
indeed  if  three  years  be  allowed,  the  much  better  con- 
dition of  the  calves  will  amply  repay  the  one  year’s 
delay. — Cows  may  be  expected  to  produce  a calf  every 
year,  but  if  an  occasional  year  be  allowed  to  pass  with- 
out their  breeding,  it  will  much  improve  their  condition  ; 
as  over  breeding,  like  over  working,  exhausts  the  pow- 
ers of  the  animal’s  constitution.  The  general  rule  with 
regard  to  milch  cows,  is,  not  to  put  them  again  to  bull 
before  they  cease  to  give  milk ; cows  that  are  not  in 
calf  are  generally  in  heat  every  three*  weeks ; at  which 
time,  and  at  the  moment  they  are  most  in  heat  they 
should  be  put  to  the  bull,  as  they  will  conceive  more 
readily. — There  are  cows  w^hich  continue  in  heat  only 
a very  short  time ; with  such  this  attention  is  the  more 
necessary.  They  are  known  to  be  in  heat  by  the  fol- 
owing  signs : they  are  continually  lowing,  and  mount- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


05 


ing  each  other,  or  upon  the  bull ; they  are  restless,  and 
often  running  about;  there  is  also  an  elevation  of  (he 
tail,  a swelling  of  the  genital  parts,  and  a slight  dis- 
charge of  white  glairy  matter  from  the  shape.  After 
they  have  taken  the  bull,  they  should  be  taken  aw’ay, 
and  not  brought  to  him  again,  unless  they  are  again  in 
heat. 

There  are  cows  that  never  conceive,  but  yet  con- 
tinue to  be  in  heat 'about  every  third  week;  and  it  has 
been  observed,  that  weak,  flat  sided  cows,  or  such  as 
are  consumptively  disposed,  are  often  in  heat  again, 
after  being  bulled.  Various  reasons  may  be  assigned 
to  account  for  these  circumstances;  but  as  they  are 
rather  hypothetical  than  practical,  we  shall  merely  ob- 
serve what  experience  has  proved,  that  cows  which 
are  kept  from  breeding  for  several  years  sometimes  fall 
into  a consumption;  and  become  thereby  ever  after- 
wards incapable  of  producing  issue,  although  more  and 
oftener  inclined  to  receive  the  bull. 

The  cow  goes  nine  months  with  calf ; some  give  milk 
during  the  whole  time  ; others  lose  it  about  the  seventh 
or  eighth  month : it  is,  however,  adviseable,  as  a gene- 
ral rule,  to  cease  to  milk  them  at  seven  months,  unless 
the  udder  should  sw^ell ; in  this  case  only  half  the  quan- 
tity in  the  udder  should  be  drawn  off,  and  that  more  from 
relief  to  the  animal  than  from  any  service  to  which  the 
milk  can  be  applied ; as  it  is  now  of  little  value,  and 
necessary  to  the  nourishment  of  the  foetal  calf. 

Cow^s  that  are  wdth  calf  should  be  kept  in  fields  where 
the  ground  is  nearly  level,  and  where  there  are  no 
large  ditches;  as  abortion  is  often  a consequence  of 
their  leaping  over  ditches,  or  slipping  on  very  hilly  or 
steep  ground,  w^hen  driven  into  the  stable  at  the  time 
the  fields  are  laid  up,  or  in  situations  where  it  is  neces- 
sary to  employ  dogs  to  keep  them. 

Pregnant  cows,  and  especially  such  as  are  near  calv- 
ing, ought  to  be  fed  with  better  and  more  substantial 
food  than  usual.  Grain  of  any  kind  is  now  useful,  but 
it  must  be  bruised^  or  crushed ; barley  and  oats  are  the 
r 2 


66 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


best  kinds.  Some  good  soft  fragrant  hay  of  the  second 
crop,  or  skimmings,  should  be  reserved  for  this  pur- 
pose. 

When  pregnant  cows  are  kept  together  in  the  same 
pasture,  they  should  be  carefully  watched,  as  they  are 
very  apt  to  quarrel  and  hurt  each  other,  and  even  to 
cause  warping  or  slipping  the  calf. 

Cows  are  more  liable  to  abortion  than  any  other  do- 
mestic animal ; perhaps  this  may  ’ result,  in  a great 
measure,  from  the  want  of  exercise,  the  great  size  of 
the  rumen,  or  first  stomach,  and  the  hardness  of  the 
third ; it  is  also  sometimes  caused  by  the  stomach  be- 
ing too  much  distended  with  improper  food ; straw  and 
bad  hay  being  very  injurious,  and,  if  not  always  the 
cause  of  abortion,  is  generally  productive  of  difficult 
labour.  Impure  or  unwholesome  water,  fog-grass, 
coarse  tough  grass  in  wet  situations,  too  much  expo- 
sure to  cold  and  wet,  fighting  with  each  other,  and 
leaping  over  eminences  or  ditches,  are  all  likely  to  pro- 
duce abortion : too  much  care  cannot,  therefore,  be 
used  in  looking  after  pregnant  cows,  in  order  to  secure 
them  against  either  of  these  accidents. — -Above  all, 
give  them  sufficient  gentle  exercise,  treat  them  kindly 
and  soothingly,  and  feed  them  with  food  that  is  easy  of 
digestion,  and  which  contains  a good  deal  of  nutriment 
in  a small  bulk ; giving  it  them  a little  at  a time,  and 
that  little,  often.  Straw,  chaff,  and  bad  hay,  afford 
but  little  nourishment,  load  the  stomach  and  bowels, 
impede  the  gradual  growth  of  the  calf  in  the  womb ; 
and  when  the  calf  has  acquired  a moderate  size,  the 
pressure  of  a loaded  stomach  causes  its  death,  and 
sometimes  endangers  the  life  of  the  mother  also. 

The  approach  of  calving  is  known  by  the  cow  bellow- 
ing, the  enlargement  of  the  udder,  the  restlessness  of 
the  animal,  and  the  falling  of  the  flank  and  croup. 
The  cow  should  then  be  constantly  watched,  that  she 
may  have  assistance,  if  necessary,  at  the  time  of  calv- 
ing. 

The  most  common  manner  in  which  the  calf  comes 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


61 


forth  from  the  womb,  or  the  natural  presentation,  as 
it  is  termed,  is  with  the  head  and  two  fore-feet  fore- 
most. From  the  causes  before  noticed,  however,  this 
natural  presentation  is  often  changed  ; sometimes  the 
hind  legs  and  tail  present : in  either  of  these  cases  the 
calving  may  take  place  without  assistance.  But  if  only 
a single  leg  present  itself,  or  the  head  only,  or  any 
other  single  part,  the  cow  should  not  be  left  to  her 
own  unavailing  efforts  to  expel  the  calf,  but  the  vete- 
rinary surgeon  or  experienced  dairyman  should  be  im- 
mediately called  in,  to  give  the  necessary  assistance. 

Never,  however,  be  in  too  much  haste  in  affording 
manual  assistance  for  the  delivery,  as  there  is  often 
mischief  done  by  violent  and  ill-timed  interference. 
Violence  of  any  land  should  indeed  always  be  avoided  : 
when  the  presentation  is  natural,  the  efforts  of  nature 
and  the  labour  pains  are  generally  sufficient  for  the 
expulsion  of  the  calf;  and  where  unnatural,  more 
effectual  service  is  rendered  by  care  and  prompt  assist- 
ance than  any  kind  of  violence  can  afford.  Besides, 
violent  efforts  of  extraction  often  prove  fatal  to  the  cow, 
or  cause  a prolapsus,  or  falling  down  of  the  womb,  and 
is  infallibly  fatal  to  the  calf. — When  the  calf-bladder 
appears,  it  should  be  sufficient  to  break  it,  and  let  the 
water  flow  out  of  its  own  accord  ; and  then  the  only 
assistance  proper  is,  to  draw  the  calf  very  gently  at 
those  times  that  the  labour  pains  are  observed  to  be 
on,  but  at  no  other  period. 

It  is  of  importance,  also,  to  abstain  from  giving  the 
cow  any  kind  of  heating  drench,  such  as  wine  with 
sugar  and  nutmeg,  which  are  often  given  to  hasten  the 
discharge  of  the  after-birth ; but  wffiich  rather  retard 
it  by  the  irritation^  they  excite : drenches  should  only 
be  given  when  the  animal  appears  very  enfeebled,  and 
then  only  by  the  advice  of  a competent  judge. 

If  the  labour  be  tedious,  and  continue  for  some  time, 
unaccompanied  with  any  other  more  unfavourable 
symptoms,  it  will  be  sufficient  to  give  small  quantities 
of  nourishing  food,  such  as  oatmeal  gruel,  warm,  and  a 


68 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


little  salted.  Take  care  that  there  be  an  ample  allow- 
ance of  litter,  that  the  calf  may  not  hurt  itself  in  fall- 
ing, for  cows  almost  always  calve  standing.  Calving 
often  happens  in  winter ; it  is  then  necessary  to  cover 
the  cows,  and  not  let  them  go  out  for  some  days,  and 
especially  not  to  expose  them  to  cold  and  rain. 

Cows  being  in  a good  condition  during  the  period 
they  are  with  calf,  may  be  considered  as  a presage  of 
a fortunate  delivery;  it  also  indicates  good  manage- 
ment on  the  part  of  the  proprietor,  and  renders  any 
particular  assistance  seldom  necessary.  By  good  con- 
dition, we  do  not  mean  full  of  flesh,  by  feeding  to  sati- 
ety ; on  the  contrary,  we  mean  that  healthful  habit 
which  invariably  results  from  giving  them  a proper 
quantity  of  good  food,  such  as  is  most  easy  of  digestion, 
and  which  contains  a sufficiency  of  nutriment  in  a small 
compass,  and  by  allowing  or  gently  urging  them  to 
moderate  exercise. 

immediately  after  calving,  the  cow  should  have  a 
little  warm  water,  in  which  a few  handfuls  of  meal 
have  been  stirred;  when  the  thirst  is  considerable, 
which  is  often  the  case,  a little  more  of  this  thin  gruel 
should  be  given  in  half  an  hour,  and  repeated  from 
time  to  time,  taking  care  not  to  load  the  stomach. 

It  is  a common  practice,  as  soon  as  cows  are  deliver- 
ed, and  the  umbilical  cord,  or  navabstring  is  broken, 
to  attach  a small  weight  to  it,  to  prevent  its  return 
into  the  womb.  Though  this  is,  perhaps,  seldom  ne- 
cessary, it  may,  nevertheless,  sometimes  facilitate  the 
expulsion  of  the  after-birth,  and  prevent  its  being  re- 
tained too  long.  It  may,  therefore,  be  done,  especially 
in  feeble,  cows,  which,  when  exhausted  by  calving, 
make  but  weak  efforts  for  the  expulsion  of  the  after- 
birth or  cleansings. 

The  after-birth,  ov placenta,  is  a large  bladder  which 
encloses  the  calf  in  the  womb ; and  being  a body  foreign, 
after  delivery,  to  the  cow  herself,  it  cannot  remain 
without  the  most  serious  consequences  to  her.  A quick 
expulsion  of  the  after-birth,  however,  although  very 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


69 


desirable,  is  not  an  essential  condition  of  a good  or  na- 
tural calving.  In  general,  when  cows  go  their  full 
natural  time,  and  the  delivery  happens  without  acci- 
dent, the  after-birth  comes  away  with  scarcely  any 
effort  of  the  cow,  in  about  from  two  to  fifteen  hours, 
more  or  less.  These  efforts  are  not  always  the  same ; 
they  resemble  labour  pains  in  some  measure,  being 
weak  at  first,  then  gradually  increasing,  becoming  lon- 
ger and  more  considerable ; at  last  a more  violent  and 
prolonged  effort  than  those  preceding  accomplishes  the 
discharge,  or  cleansing,  as  it  is  termed. 

When  the  animal  is  in  health,  the  cleansing  should 
be  left  entirely  to  nature ; and  on  no  account^  xoithoui 
the  most  positive  advice^  and  that  of  an  experienced  per^ 
son,  should  the  hand  be  introduced,  in  order  to  hasten 
the  discharge.  Cases  might  be  enumerated,  where  days> 
even  a week,  have  passed,  without  the  cleansing  being 
expelled,  and  not  the  least  danger  result  to  the  animal ; 
notwithstanding  that  in  the  latter  instance,  the  propri- 
etor used  the  most  earnest  entreaties,  that  the  veteri- 
nary surgeon  who  attended  should  draw  it  off.  It  is 
suflScient  to  pull  the  umbilical  cord  which  hangs  out  of 
the  part,  gently,  whenever  there  is  a labour  pain,  but 
not  to  continue  to  draw  it  after  the  pain  has  ceased  ; 
and  the  force  with  which  it  is  drawn  should  accord 
with,  or  be  in  proportion  to,  the  effort  which  the  ani- 
mal makes  ; if  it  is  too  weak,  it  will  be  of  no  use,  and 
if  too  violent,  there  is  danger  of  breaking  the  cord,  and 
losing  this  resource  for  assisting  nature  in  the  discharge 
of  the  after-birth,  while,  at  the  same  time,  it  tends  to 
weaken  the  cow.  It  is  only  when  the  animal  appears 
ill  and  depressed,  and  when  the  natural  efforts  are  evi- 
dently insufficient,  that  it  becomes  necessary  to  intro- 
duce the  hand  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  off  the  after- 
birth ; but  this  must  be  done  with  great  care,  and  should 
not  be  attempted  except  by  an  experienced  person. 

It  is  improper  to  administer  any  heating  drench, 
such  as  that  composed  of  urine,  wine,  savin,  and  rue, 
(given  as  cleansing  drenches,)  by  some  ignorant  people, 


70 


farmer’s  axd  grazier’s 


as  they  often  excite  fever  and  inflammation  of  the  ute- 
rus ; there  are  very  few  cases  indeed  in  which  it  is  at 
all  safe  to  give  them,  nor  should  such  ever  be  employed 
except  when  prescribed  by  an  experienced  veterinary 
practitioner.  Inflammatory  affections  of  the  intes- 
tines and  womb,  are  invariably  the  result  of  such  bad 
management  in  or  after  calving ; and  if  we  would  pre- 
vent these,  we  must  be  content  to  follow  nature  and 
reason,  and  not  be  always  striving  to  force  the  one, 
and  outrage  the  other. 

Gentle  walking  exercise,  when  the  weather  is  fa- 
vourable, often  repeated ; and  brushing  the  body,  es- 
pecially the  loins  and  under  the  belly,  with  a whisp  of 
hay  or  straw,  or  a piece  of  cloth,  will  promote  the  ex- 
pulsion of  the  after-birth. 

When  cows  are  weak,  or  too  long  in  cleansing,  the 
only  thing  to  be  given  is  toast  and  weak  wine,  good 
cider,  or  perry.  If  wine  be  preferred,  mix  it  with  an 
equal  quantity  of  water.  This  toast  should  consist  of 
four  pints  of  wine  and  water,  and  about  a pound  and 
half  of  bread  toasted:  cows  generally  eat  this  freely: 
an  infusion  of  two  handsful  of  camomile  flowers  in  two 
quarts  of  water,  with  the  addition  of  half  a pint  of  wine, 
if  there  appear  to  be  occasion  for  it,  and  given  as  a 
drink  every  two  or  three  hours,  is  sometimes  given 
with  success.  Some  hours  after,  half  a pailful  of  warm 
water  with  a little  meal  or  fine  bran  stirred  into  it. 
This  blanched  water,  as  it  is  termed,  should  be  continu- 
ed for  five  or  six  days,  and  if  the  cow  be  very  weak, 
and  there  is  great  difiiculty  in  restoring  her,  the  wine 
or  cyder  toast  may  be  given  for  a few  days. 

It  is  necessary,  also,  in  such  cases,  to  administer 
clysters,  daily,  of  red  wine  and  water,  or  of  an  infusion 
of  camomile  flowers  in  water.  And  some  of  the  same 
liquor  may  be  injected  into  the  womb.  These  clysters 
and  injections  give  that  tone  or  strength  to  the  uterus, 
and  parts  connected  with  it,  which  is  required  for  the 
expulsion  of  the  after-birth. 

It  is  of  importance  not  to  confound  the  weakness 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


71 


which  is  the  consequence  of  the  exhaustion  of  vital 
power  or  strength  with  that  which  results  from  oppres- 
sion only.  In  the  former  case,  all  the  external  parts 
are  relaxed  and  cold  ; the  eyes  are  pale,  there  is  but 
little  heat  in  the  mouth  and  vagina  ; the  muzzle  is  cold 
and  moist,  the  pulse  small  and  weak,  and  the  respira- 
tion slow  ; in  this  case,  the  strengthening  toast  and  wine 
beforementioned  is  necessary ; but  in  the  second  case, 
on  the  contrary,  the  breath  from  the  mouth  and  nostrils 
is  hot ; the  eyes  are  red  and  rather  fierce ; the  mouth 
hot,  dry,  and  parched ; the  muzzle  dry ; the  thirst  ex- 
cessive ; breathing  very  quick ; the  vagina  red  and 
inflamed  ; the  skin  dry  and  tight ; the  pulse  hard  and 
quick ; this  is  a real  inflammatory  fever,  which  can  only 
be  subdued  by  bleeding,  cooling  drinks  with  nitre,  aci- 
dulated drinks  with  honey,  and  by  emollient  clysters. 
These  are  the  only  means  that  can  be  employed  under 
such  circumstances  to  pronK)te  the  discharge  of  the 
after-birth.  Some  persons  suffer  the  cow  to  eat  the 
after-birth  : this  we  consider  an  absurd  custom,  and 
best  prevented. 

It  sometimes,  but  very  rarely  happens,  that  cows 
have  two  calves,  which  they  do  not  bring  forth  at  the 
same  time,  but  after  some  interval.  After  the  first  is 
born,  it  may  be  knowm  that  another  is  in  the  womb,  by 
the  cow  continuing  very  restless  or  agitated,  looking 
continually  round  to  her  flanks,  having  labour  pains, 
and  appearing  to  pay  little  or  no  attention  to  the  calf 
already  born.  If  she  continue  a considerable  time  in 
this  state,  it  will  be  necessary  to  assist  nature  by  giving 
the  animal  a pint  of  strong  warm  ale  ; and  by  irritating 
the  nostrils  with  a pinch  of  snuff,  or  by  tickling,  so  as 
to  excite  sneezing.  If  those  means  fail,  the  veterinary 
surgeon  should  be  called  in. 

It  sometimes  happens  that  toward  the  latter  end  of 
gestation,  or  immediately  after  calving,  the  vagina 
comes  out,  and  sometimes  the  womb  follows  it ; this  is 
generally  caused  by  using  improper  force  in  extracting 
the  calf,  or  after-birth.  In  this  case,  it  is  necessary  to 


72 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


call  in  the  aid  of  a person  who  has  been  accustomed  to 
put  back  the  parts;  as  it  is  an  operation  not  easily 
performed  by  an  inexperienced  person.  When  the 
vagina  only  comes  out,  it  will  generally  be  sufficient 
to  raise  the  hind  part  of  the  cow  considerably,  by  means 
of  litter,  or  otherwise,  and  keep  the  foreparts  as  low 
as  they  can  be. 

How  to  extract  a calf  when  it  presents  in  a wrong 
positiofu 

Farmers  and  dairymen,  or  other  persons  who  have 
the  care  of  milch  cows,  ought  to  be  well  acquainted  with 
the  manner  in  which  a calf  should  present  itself,  when 
in  a natural  or  proper  position. 

When  the  calf  is  presented  with  the  head  and  fore- 
feet first,  and  its  back  towards  the  cow’s  back,  it  is 
termed  a natural  position  ; all  others  are  unnatural,  and 
are  attended  with  more  or  less  danger  both  to  the  cow 
and  the  calf,  unless  immediate  and  skilful  assistance  be 
rendered. 

Sometimes,  however,  this  assistance  may  not  be  at 
hand  when  wanted.  In  this  case  the  best  that  can  be 
obtained  must  be  resorted  to.  We  shall,  therefore, 
give  a few  of  the  most  common  wrong  positions,  with 
directions  how  best  to  avert  any  danger  therefrom. 

1.  — When  the  waters  are  broke,  and  only  the  head 
and  one  fool  presented^  lay  hold  of  the  call’s  head,  and 
wait  till  the  throes  are  off,  then  gently  push  it  back,  and 
rectify  the  other  foot : It  may  be  then  extracted  with- 
out danger. 

2.  — If  the  head,  only  present  itself  and  both  feet  are 
left  behind, — the  head  must  as  in  the  former  case  be 
pushed  back  with  a gentle  hand  as  soon  as  the  throes 
are  off,  and  the  feet  properly  placed  with  the  utmost 
care,  or  you  will  wound  and  tear  the  arteries/ 

3.  — If  all  the  four  feet  be  turned  xehere  the  back  ought 
to  be,  towards  the  top  of  the  uterus,  in  this  situation  it 
will  be  impossible  to  extract  the  calf  until  it  be  put  in 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


73 


a proper  position.  The  hind  parts  of  the  cow  must  be 
raised  with  straw,  or  with  bags  of  that  or  other  soft 
material  that  is  soft  and  easy  to  lie  on,  and  properly 
placed  under  her.  By  this  means  the  person  will  be 
very  much  assisted  in  putting  the  calf  in  a suitable  pos- 
ture for  extraction ; afterwards  wait  the  return  of  the 
cow’s  throes,  and  then  give  nature  your  best  assistance. 
In  operations  of  these  kinds,  every  thing  depends  upon 
the  management  and  activity  of  the  person  employed 
in  putting  the  beast  in  a favourable  position. 

4.  — When  the  hind  legs  makes  the  first  appearance, — 
it  will  be  found  better  to  extract  the  calf  in  this  position 
with  care,  than  to  attempt  to  turn  them. 

5.  — The  shoulder  sometimes  first  presents  itself, — 
This  is  a difficult  case,  and  requires  the  hand  to  be  in- 
troduced in  search  for  the  fore  legs  : or  the  hind  legs 
may  be  brought  forward,  if  they  appear  most  conveni- 
ently placed  : but  this  must  be  left  to  the  care  and 
judgment  of  the  party  employed. 

These  are  the  most  usual  cases  of  unnatural  presen- 
tations : and  may,  with  care  and  a little  experience,  be 
surmounted  ; but  when  the  calf  is  dropsical,  in  the  head, 
which  may  be  known  by  the  largeness  of  that  part,  and 
the  wasting  away  of  the  others,  or  if  it  be  dead,  instru- 
mental aid  will  then  he  necessary , and  prompt  and  earpe- 
rienced  assistance  must  be  obtained:  it  will  be  worse 
than  useless,'  therefore,  to  give  any  directions  in  cases 
where  the  slightest  error  would  be  fatal,  and  where  no 
other  aid  than  that  of  the  most  experienced  veterinary 
surgeon  can  be  of  the  slightest  avail. 

How  to  treat  the  navel  string  after  extraction. 

When  the  calf  is  taken  from  the  cow,  and  been  pro- 
perly cleaned,  either  by  the  animal  licking  it,  or  with 
a clean  linen  cloth,  let  the  umbilical  cord  or  navel 
string  be  properly  secured,  with  a ligature  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner:- — 

Tie  a waxed  thread  of  several  thicknesses,  several 

G 


74  farmer’s  and  grazier’s 

« 

times  round  the  naval  string,  about  two  inches  from 
the  body ; secure  it  with  a double  knot,  then  take  a 
pair  of  scissors,  and  clip  it  off  a little  below  the  tied 
part.  Be  careful  not  to  tie  the  thread  so  tightly,  that 
it  cut  the  naval  string,  or  it  will  cause  an  elTusion  of 
blood  which  may  prove  difficult  to  stop,  and  perhaps 
endanger  fhe  life  of  the  young  animal.  If  the  animal’s 
strength  appear  exhausted^  the  following  restorative 
drink  will  be  found  servicable : 

RECIPE  No.  2. 

Peruvian  bark  in  powder,  2 drams  : 

Ginger,  fresh  powdered,  2 drams  : 

Mix,  and  give  it  in  half  a pint  of  new  milk. 

The  falling  down  of  the  calf -bed. 

This  is  a complaint,  or  rather  an  accident,  of  fre- 
quent occurence  among  cows,  at  the  time  of  calving, 
and  consists  in  the  calf-bed  being  turned  inside  out,  and 
falling  down.  It  frequently  proceeds  from  the  force 
employed  in  extracting  the  calf  in  laborious  parturition, 
and  drawing  away  the  cleansing  imniediately  after- 
wards, before  the  womb  has  had  time  to  contract,  or 
lessen  itself. 

In  these  cases  it  will  be  proper  to  support  the  calf 
when  just  out  of  the  shape,  and  then  tie  the  naval 
string  a few  inches  from  the  navel,  with  a little  thick 
twine,  and  to  let  the  cleansing  be  subsequently  expell- 
ed by  the  throes  of  the  beast. 

We  would  advise  the  adoption  of  this  plan  in  labo- 
rious parturition,  where  no  manual  force  has  been  used. 
— For  when  a cow  has  once  had  this  complaint,  she  is 
always  liable,  at  any  future  period,  either  to  slip  her 
calf,  or  to  a recurrence  of  the  accident. 

Cows  that  rise  considerably  or  the  small  of  the  back, 
in  the  form  of  a curve,  and  begin  to  lower  towards  the 
tail,  with  the  hip,  rump,  and  sirloin  for  the  most  part 
straight,  are  the  most  liable  to  this  complaint.  Cows 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


75 


thus  formed  denote  great  weakness  in  those  parts  ; and, 
without  great  care  and  proper  management  at  the 
time  of  calving,  are  almost  sure  of  having  this  com- 
plaint. 

By  observing  the  following  rules,  this  may,  generally, 
be  prevented. 

The  floor  or  pavement  of  the  cow-house  should  be 
made  level  at  the  time  of  calving;  and  it  will  be  greatly 
to  the  advantage  of  some  cows,  if  they  be  placed  so 
that  they  stand  higher  behind  than  before  for  a consi- 
derable time  before  calving ; as  that  position  will  ena- 
ble them,  when  down,  to  rise  with  more  ease,  and  with 
less  danger  of  straining  themselves. 

If  the  falling-down  of  the  calf-bed  be  suspected,  the 
cow  ought  to  be  carefully  watched,  particularly  at  the 
time  of  calving,  and  it  should  be  prevented,  as  far  as 
possible,  by  the  means  above  mentioned. 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  falling  down  of  the  calf- 
bed  takes  place,  care  should  be  taken  to  have  in  rea- 
diness a clean  sheet  well-aired,  to  put  underneath  and 
around  the  calf-bed,  if  she  lay  down ; or  to  support  it, 
if  standing  ; and  likewise  to  protect  it  from  particles  of 
dirt,  or  straw  adhering  to  it,  as  also  from  the  effects  of 
air.  Then,  if  any  portion  of  the  cleansing  adheres  to 
the  womb,  it  must  be  removed  in  the  gentlest  manner 
possible,  lest  you  tear  the  calf-bed.  Then  bathe  the 
exposed  parts  with  diluted  spirits  of  wine,  or  any  kind 
of  spirits  will  do,  if  they  can  be  procured  almost  imme- 
diately ; if  not  it  will  signify  very  little. — As  soon  as  the 
parts  have  been  bathed,  endeavour  to  return  them  to 
their  natural  position  by  the  method  following : 

The  calf-bed  is  to  be  raised,  and  the  person  who  re- 
places it  should  clinch  his  hand,  or  have  a large  sponge 
in  it,  and  press  gradually  in  the  middle  part  of  the 
womb,  until  it  is  returned  into  its  proper  situation.  He 
must  throw  it  forwards,  as  far  as  he  can  possibly  reach, 
and  turn  his  hand  round  to  feel  that  it  is  properly 
replaced,  ^nd  hold  it  there  for  some  time ; which  will 


76 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


stimulate  the  womb  to  contract,  and  prevent  it,  in  a 
great  measure,  from  falling  down  again. 

When  the  calf-bed  is  properly  replaced,  the  follow* 
ing  strengthening  drink  may  be  given  to  the  animal,  to 
assist  her,  and  remove  those  violent  after-pains,  to  which 
cattle  in  this  state  are  particularly  liable, 

RECIPE  No.  3. 

• Gentian,  fresh  powdered,  1 ounce ; 

White  ginger,  ditto,  1 ounce  ; 

Aniseeds,  ditto,  2 ounces ; 

Solid  opium,  cut  small,  . 1 dram  ; 

^ Treacle,  4 table  spoonsful. 

Pour  a quart  of  hot  ale  upon  the  ingredients,  in  a pitcher ; and 
give  it  to  the  cow  when  new  milk-warm. 

This  drink  should  be  repeated  once  a day,  or  every 
other  day,  for  two  or  three  times.  Warm  meshes,  and 
proper  management,  must  strictly  be  attended  to. 

Abortion^  or  slipping  of  the  calf 

Abortion,  or  slinking  or  slipping  the  calf,  is  a misfor- 
tune to  which  cows  are  particularly  subject,  in  the  ear- 
ly periods  of  gestation  ; and  occasions  not  only  a serious 
loss  to  the  owner,  but  produces  a weakness  in  the  cow 
herself,  which  is  often  injurious  to  her  constitution  to 
the  latest  period  of  her  existence. 

Some  few  of  the  causes  to  which  slipping  the  calf 
is  generally  attributable,  have  been  already  given  ; we 
shall  add  one  or  two  more,  equally  producive  of  this 
misfortune.  Cows  are  most  liable  to  slink  their  calves 
towards  the  latter  end  of  the  year,  while  feeding  on  fog, 
or  autumnal  grass,  or  on  low  marsh  and  fenny  ground. 
In  such  situations,  the  air  towards  the  end  of  autumn 
becomes  too  moist  for  the  right  performance  of  the  ani- 
mal functions ; the  body  in  consequence  becomes  relax- 
ed and  debilitated,  the  perspiration  diminished,  and  the 
blood  watery,  which  frequently  produce  a preternatu- 
ral determination  of  blood  to  the  calf-bed,  that  impairs 
the  healthy  actions  of  that  organ,  and  occasions  abor- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


77 


tion.  It  appears  to  originate,  in  these  instances,  from 
the  same  causes  as  the  red  water  doe^;  only  in  the 
one,  the  calf-bed  is  affected ; in  the  other,  the  kidneys. 

At  other  times,  it  has  proceeded  from  the  smell  of 
carrion,  either  exposed  on  the  pasture,  or  buried  too 
slightly  in  the  earth. — The  sense  of  smelling  in  horned 
cattle  is  remarkably  accute;  any  very  disagreeable 
scent  annoys  them  sadly,  and,  if  it  be  not  removed,  will 
produce  abortion. 

Treatment, — Cows  that  are  in  danger  of  slipping 
their  young,  should  be  taken  from  the  pasture  or  stable 
the  over  night,  and  from  two  to  three  or  four  quarts  of 
blood  should  be  taken  from  each  beast,  which,  unless 
the  weather  be  damp,  ought  to  stand  in  the  open  yard, 
or  open  shed,  till  next  morning : then  give  the  following 
purging  drink : 

RECIPE  No.  4. 

Epsom  salts, 

Nitre, 

Ginger  and  aniseeds,  in  powder. 

Treacle, 

Pour  three  pints  of  boiling  water  upon  the 
when  new  milk  warm* 

After  it  has  operated  give  her  the  following ; 

RECIPE  No.  5. 

Alum,  in  powder 
Nitre, 

Grains  of  paradise,  and  aniseeds, 
fresh  powdered. 

Solid  opium,  cut  small. 

Treacle, 

Mix  for  one  drink. 

Put  the  drink  in  a pitcher,  and  pour  a quart  of  boiling  water  on  it ; 
cover  it  down  till  new  milk  warm,  and  then  give  it  the  beast. 

Repeat  this  in  about  eight  or  ten  days,  and  there 
is  little  doubt  of  its  producing  the  desired  effect. 

Some  cows  are  constantly  a bulling  every  two  or 
three  weeks,  during  summer  : a better  drink  cannot  be 
G 2 


4 ounces ; 

1 ounce ; 

I ounce  each ; . 
i a dram ; 

4 table  spoonsful. 


1 pound  ; 

2 ounces  ; 

1 ounce,  each  ; 

4 ounces ; 

ingredients,  and  give 


78 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


given  to  put  a stop  to  this  than  No.  2,  and  also  to  make 
her  hold  to  the  bull.  It  should  be  given  to  her  about 
two  hours  after  bulling : it  strengthens  and  braces  the 
parts  of  generation : if  she  be  in  good  condition,  let  two 
quarts  of  blood  be  taken  from  her. 

If  a cow  should  slip  her  calf,  separate  her  immedi- 
ately from  the  herd,  or  she  may  possibly  affect  them ; 
and  give  her  the  following  drink ; 

RECIPE  No,  6. 

Spermaceti,  2 ounces ; 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  1 ounce  ; 

The  yolk  of  one  egg; 

Beat  them  in  a marble  mortar  till  well  incorporated  ; then  add 

Grains  of  paradise,  and  carraway 

seeds,  fresh  powdered,  1 ounce,  each ; 

Treacle,  4 oun:’.;  s : 

Mix  the  whole  in  a quart  of  warm  gruel,  add  a wine-glass  full  of 
gin,  and  give  itnew-milk  warm. 

Repeat  this  drink  every  third  day  for  about  three 
times. 


ON  THE 

MANAaSMSNT  OF  YOUNG  CAIiYrES, 

AND  THE 

TREATMENT  OF  COWS  AFTER  DELIVERY. 

Care  should  be  taken  that  the  cow,  after  the  ex- 
traction of  the  calf,  should  have  a suitable  place  to  lie 
down  in ; and  one  that  will  also  easily  enable  her  to 
lick  her  calf,  which  not  only  the  better  excites  her  ma- 
ternal feelings,  but  the  friction  of  her  tongue  puts  the 
young  animal  in  motion,  and  enables  it  to  rise  much 
sooner  than  it  otherwise  would.  If  she  should  shew  any 
aversion  to  this  action,  which  she  should,  and  general- 
ly does  do,  very  shortly  after  calving,  it  will  be  neces- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


79 


sary  to  sprinkle  on  the  calf  a little  salt,  rubbed  up  with 
crumb  of  bread,  or  bran. 

It  is  a prejudice  very  generally  entertained,  that  the 
first  milk  is  injurious  to  the  calf,  on  account  of  its  sup- 
posed bad  quality.  This  is  acting  contrary  to  nature, 
which  has  provided  at  first  serous  and  yellowish  milk, 
termed  beestings,  of  a laxative  or  opening  quality,  in 
order  to  carry  off  from  the  stomach  and  bowels  of  the 
calf  an  injurious  dark,  viscid  matter,  termed  mtconiurriy 
which  has  collected  in  them  while  in  the  w^omb.  It  is 
therefore  essential  that  the  calf  have  instant  and  free 
access  to  the  cow.  If  the  calf  does  not  readily  take  the 
teat,  put  it  into  its  mouth ; but  do  this  gently  and  with 
great  care. 

If,  however,  the  first  milk  of  the  cow  should  not  pro- 
duce the  desired  evacuation  from  the  bowels  of  the 
calf,  recourse  must  be  had  to  medicine ; the  following 
will  be  suitable  for  this  purpose : 

RECIPE  No.  7. 

Castor  oil  1 ounce  j 

Prepared  kali,  J a dram  ; 

Ginger,  in  powder,  1 tea  spoonful ; 

Mix,  and  give  it  in  half  a pint  of  warm  milk. 

This  drink  may  be  repeated  the  next  day,  if  the 
bowels  are  not  sufficiently  open. 

The  diet  and  treatment  of  cows,  at  the  time  of  calv- 
ing, must  be  regulated  according  to  the  season  of  the 
year.  It  is,  however,  considered  of  consequence  to 
the  dairy,  that  cows  should  not  drop  their  young  too 
early  in  the  season ; as  when  that  happens,  they  fall 
off  their  milk  in  the  autumn,  when  from  its  superior 
richness,  it  is  more  valuable  than  at  any  other  time. 
From  the  end  of  March  to  the  end  of  April  is  consider- 
ed the  best  time  in  the  northern  districts ; as  the  cow 
soon  gets  into  condition  upon  the  early  grass,  and 
yields  a greater  quantity  of  milk  in  the  course  of  the 
season  than  those  that  calve  either  much  earlieror  later  ; 
but  in  the  southern  parts,  the  advantage  is  found  in 


80 


farmer’s  AND  grazier’s 


calving  much  earlier.  But  as  nature  will  not  always 
be  confined  by  any  rule  which  man  can  lay  down,  he 
must  act  accordingly. 

If  it  be  in  winter,  or  early  in  the  spring,  they  should 
be  housed  as  soon  as  possible ; for  new-born  calves  are 
particularly  fearful  of  cold,  and  must  be  guarded  from 
its  intensity ; not  to  the  degree  of  confining  them  in 
close,  hot  stables,  and  injuring  them  by  the  reverse  of 
too  much  heat.  Warm  water,  and  meshes  of  scalded 
bran,  mixed  with  a little  ground  corn,  should  also  be 
given  to  the  cow,  twice  or  three  times  a day. 

If  the  calving  be  in  summer,  the  cow  and  calf  re- 
quire to  be  kept  under  a shade,  where  they  can  be 
protected  from  the  sun  in  the  day,  from  the  cold  in  the 
evening,  and  (rom  damps  and  fogs  at  all  times  ; and  the 
cow  must  be  treated  with  meshes  and  warm  water, 
for  two  or  three  days,  the  sanie  as  in  winter,  but  will 
not  require  so  many  of  them. 

If  the  calf  be  intended  for  the  butcher,  it  may  be 
taken  from  the  cow  after  about  a week  or  ten  days, 
and  fed  the  remainder  of  the  time  by  hand  as  hereafter 
directed  ; but  this  time  of  taking  the  calf  away  must 
be  determined  by  the  state  of  the  cow’s  udder ; for  un- 
less that  be  free  from  kernels  and  indurations,  the  calf 
must  be  allowed  to  suck,  as  the  jolting  of  its  head  is  the 
means  of  healing  or  restoring  the  udder,  and  prevent- 
ing the  downfall,  or  inflammation  in  this  part,  which 
might  cause  much  trouble,  and  even  endanger  the  life 
of  the  cow. 

But  if  the  calf  is  intended  to  be  reared,  it  should  not 
be  weaned  until  at  least  six  weeks  or  even  two  months 
old,  whether  male  or  female.  For  such,  there  is  no 
food  like  the  cow’s  milk ; and  if  she  does  not  yield  a 
suflScient  quantity,  that  of  another  ought  to  be  had  re- 
course to.  It  is  an  incontrovertable.  fact,  that  the  lon- 
ger a calf  sucks,  not  only  the  larger  and  stronger  will 
it  become,  but  it  will  also  acquire  a much  better  form, 
and  more  robust  health. 

Calves  w^hich  come  early  should  be  preferred  for 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


81 


rearing.  Those  which  come  late,  do  not  acquire  suffi- 
cient strength  to  bear  the  cold  of  winter ; they  lan- 
guish, and  are  reared  with  difficulty.  Calves  should 
not  be  weaned  too  suddenly,  but  by  little  and  little. 
The  less  they  are  able  to  eat,  the  more  they  should  be 
allowed  to  suck  ; or  after  awhile  they  may  be  brought 
to  take  it  from  the  pail.  This  is  done  by  placing  the 
hand  in  the  milk,  with  the  palm  upwards,  and  under 
the  milk,  while  the  fingers  are  raised  above  the  surface 
of  the  milk,  for  the  calf  to  lay  hold  of  with  its  mouth, 
w^hich  it  does  very  readily,  and  sucks  up  the  milk  with 
great  ease. 

When  they  are  completely  taken  away,  they  should 
be  fed  with  a little  bran,  and  some  of  the  best  soft  fra- 
grant hay  of  the  second  crop  ; they  should  be  allowed 
plenty  of  the  skimmed  milk,  and  now  and  then  a little 
water,  in  which  barley  has  been  boiled  and  broken  up, 
or  a little  buttermilk,  occasionally.  There  is  at  first 
some  difficulty  in  bringing  them  to  drink,  but  a little 
perseverance  will  accustom  them  to  it. 

Moderate  warmth  and  dry  lodging  are  of  the  utmost 
consequence  to  young  calves ; and  if  we  would  turn 
them  to  any  good  account,  they  must  not  be  stinted 
either  in  these  or  in  their  food.  Some  persons  feed 
calves  that  have  been  weaned,  only  twice  or  thrice  a 
day : this  is  not  enough : give  less  at  a time,  but  more 
frequently ; and  take  care  that  they  have  enough.  In 
summer,  skimmed  milk,  thickened  with  oat  or  wheat- 
meal  ; and  in  winter,  carrots,  or  Swedish  turnips,  sliced, 
will  make  them  excellent  food,  adding  at  all  times  a 
little  good  sweet  hay. 

As  soon  as  they  are  fit  to  follow  the  mother,  let  them 
out ; nothing  does  them  more  good  than  exercise,  and 
there  is  nothing,  perhaps,  more  injurious  than  keeping 
them  too  long  in  a stable. 

Calves  that  acquire  a habit  of  sucking  themselves, 
may  be  prevented  by  separating  them. — This  is  the 
only  effectual  method. — They  sometimes  also  contract 
a habit  of  licking  themselves,  and  swallowing  the  hair, 


82 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


which  forms  balls  in  their  stomach ; and,  being  indigest- 
ible, are  the  cause  of  many  serious  diseases. — Of  these 
habits  they  must  be  broken;  or  they  will,  in  spite  of 
the  best  care  and  keep,  lose  flesh,  become  covered 
with  lice,  and  subject  to  worms,  as  well  as  to  a disease 
similar  to  farcy. 

Calves  cannot  be  kept  too  clean  or  have  fresh  litter 
too  often ; for  besides  the  evils  already  mentioned,  if 
they  are  suffered  to  lie  on  their  own  dung  and  urine, 
they  will  become  mangy,  and  scarcely  ever  thrive. — 
They  are  subject  to  several  disorders,  as  the  diarrhoea, 
or  dysentary,  costiveness,  hoose,  &c.  but  these  we  shall 
describe  in  their  proper  place.  As  a means,  however, 
of  preventing  the  greater  number  of  these  diseases,  we 
would  advise  the  adoption  of  a few  simple,  but  useful 
rules. 

1st. — Let  the  young  calf  suck  the  first  milk. — This  will 
cleanse  its  bowels,  and  prevent  costiveness. 

2nd. — Let  it  suck  from  the  mother  at  least  two  months 
before  it  is  weaned,  and  then  wean  it  gradually. 

3rd. — Let  its  first  food  be  such  as  is  easy  of  digestion, 
and  let  it  have  plenty  of  sweet  skimmed  milk 
and  good  hay. 

4th. — Keep  it  very  clean,  well  rubbing  it  occasionally 
with  a whisp  of  hay  or  straw. 

5th. — ^Keep  its  stable  clean,  and  perfectly  free  from  all 
impurities. 

6th. — Let  it  have  gentle  exercise ; the  best  will  be  in 
following  the  mother  in  the  meadow  or  pasture. 

7th. — Do  not  stint  it,  either  in  good  food  or  good  drink, 
and  change  its  litter  often  enough  to  keep  it  clean, 
sweet,  and  dry. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


83 


DISEASES 

TO  WHICH  CALVES  ARE  SUBJECT. 

It  is  an  observation  founded  on  experience,  that 
calves  born  in  the  open  air,  suffer  much  less  from  weak- 
ness or  illness,  than  those  that  are  kept,  from  the  mo- 
ment of  their  birth,  in  closely  confined  barns,  or  sheds. 
Those  brought  up  by  hand,  are  also  much  more  deli- 
cate than  those  which  are  allowed  to  suck  and  follow 
their  mothers.  Calves  and  lambs  require  exercise  and 
fresh  air ; and  where  they  are  not  restrained,  nature 
directs  them  to  take  a great  deal ; and  it  is  surprising 
to  see  how  long  a calf  will  run  about,  and  with  what 
vigour  it  plays  and  frisks,  if  left  at  liberty.  Free,  un- 
constrained, and  plenteous  exercise,  out  of  doors,  evi- 
dently makes  them  thrive,  and,  indeed,  seems  essential 
to  their  very  existence. 

Where  the  cow  is  much  weakened  in  calving,  or 
long  in  giving  milk,  or  if  the  weather  be  cold,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  warm  a little  before  the  fire  in  a pan  un- 
til it  is  about  blood  warm,  and  then  to  give  it  in  this 
state  to  the  calf,  a little  at  a time  ; about  a pint  and  a 
half,  four  times  in  every  twenty-four  hours.  If  cold 
milk  be  given  to  a calf,  it  occasions  a trembling;  and 
the  cords,  or  some  other  malady,  inevitably  succeed. 

Calves  are  subject  to  several  disorders  during  the 
time  of  sucking,  when  weaning,  or  while  they  are  fat- 
tening for  the  butcher.  These  disorders,  or  rather 
symptoms,  have  obtained  different  names,  as  cords, 
diarrhoea,  costiveness,  &c.  but  they  are  really  evidence 
of  one  disorder  only— indigestion. 

I.  Cords, 

Cause, — ^Calves  sometimes  are  of  a sickly  or  weak 
constitution,  aud  require  care  as  to  the  quantity  of  milk 
they  take  at  each  time  ; for  if  they  exceed  a proper 


84 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


quantity,  their  stomachs  become  disordered  ; and  the 
acid  formed  on  the  stomach  for  the  purpose  of  effect- 
ing a change  in  the  milk  necessary  to  digestion  and  the 
formation  of  chyle,  is  increased  in  quantity,  and  altered 
in  quality.  In  consequence  of  this,  the  milk,  instead  of 
being  changed  very  gradually,  is  coagulated,  and  large 
indigestible  curds  are  formed  from  it.  This  produces 
almost  all  the  early  disorders  of  calves. 

Symptoms,~Exivev[\Q  weakness,  disrelish  of  food, 
sometimes  accompanied  with  griping  pains.  When  the 
disorder  has  arrived  at  a certain  height,  the  muscles 
are  affected  with  spasms,  and  drawn  into  cords,  as  it  is 
termed;  that  is,  they  contract  with  violence,  and  feel 
hard  and  knotted  in  several  parts.  These  curds  fre- 
quently remain  in  the  stomach  a considerable  time,  and 
are  sometimes  so  compressed,  as  to  be  absolutely  form- 
ed into  cheese,  perfectly  solid,  and  smelling  like  new 
cheese,  a little  sourish.  Hence  arises  the  obstinate 
costiveness.  Flatulency  now  takes  place,  the  calf  be- 
comes blown  up,  and  affected  with  flatulent  colic. 
This,  if  not  checked,  resolves  into  confirmed  diarrhoea, 
and  terminates  in  inflammation,  from  which  death  ge- 
nerally ensues. 

Cxire. — First  attack  the  morbid  acidity  in  the  sto- 
mach. This  is  to  be  done  by  the  following  medicine  : 

RECIPE  No.  8. 

Cnslaked  lime,  a piece  the  size  of  a pigeon’s  egg; 

Water  sufficient  to  slake  it ; 

Boiling  water,  one  pint ; 

Subcarbonate  of  potash,  (salt  of  tartar,)  two  ounces  : 

Put  the  lime  into  a jug  with  a cover,  pour  cold  water  on  it;  when 

slaked  add  the  boiling  water,  stir  it  up,  and  cover  it  up  close. 

Into  an  eight  ounce  (or  half  pint)  bottle,  put  the  subcarbona^  of 
potash,  and  fill  it  up  with  the  lime-water,  having  first  shaken  the 
jug  so  that  it  may  he  a little  thick.  Keep  the  bottle  well  corked, 
and  mark  it  “ Solution  of  Potash*"^ 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


85 


This  is  the  best  thing  that  can  be  given  for  correct- 
ing the  acidity  of  the  stomach.  Let  it  be  administered 
in  the  following  manner  : 

RECIPE  No.  9. 

Solution  of  potash  (as  abov^)  tWo  teaspoonsful  ; 

Epsom  salts,  i two  ounces; 

Thin  gruel,  or  warm  water,  half  a;  pint. 

Dissolve  ,the  salts  in  the  gruel,  or  water  ; add  the  solution  of  pot- 
ash, arid  give  it  daily,  until  the  curd  is  carried  from  the  stomach, 
and  the  acidity  destroyed. 

If  the  disorder  be  accompanied  with  griping  pains, 
give  with  it  one  of  the  following  cordials : 

RECIPE  No.  10. 

Tincture  of  opium,  a tea-spoonful  ; 

Brandy,  a tablo-spoonful ; 

Or, 

Anodyne  carminative  tincture,  a table-spoonful. 

This  will  very  soon  relieve  the  griping  pains,  with- 
out preventing  the  laxative  from  operating.  When  the 
calf  is  relieved,  feed  it  carefully  for  a few  days  ; and 
if  its  bowels  be  loose,  gruel  made  of  arrow-root,  or  fine 
wheaten  flour,  should  be  given  with  a little  of  the.  solu- 
tion of  potash,  or  powdered  chalk,  in  each  feed.  This 
should  be  left  off  gradually. 

Remarks, — Calves  brought:  up  by  hand,  even  if  not 
of  delicate,  weak  constitutions,  are  liable  to  all  these 
affections,  merely  from  being  improperly  fed,  that  is, 
from  having  too  much  milk  at  a time,  from  that  milk 
not  being  sufficiently  fresh,  or  being  in  a bad  state  from 
a disordered  stomach  of  the  cow,  she  being  fed  on  bad 
hay  or  stale  grains.  An  intimate  connexion  exists  be- 
tween the  udder  and  the  cow’s  stomach,  and  the  milk 
is  very  liable  to  become  altered  in  quality  as  well  as 
quantity,  by  feeding  her  upon  bad  hay  : we  cannot, 
therefore,  wonder  at  this.  ' There  i§  an  acid  formed  in 

H 


86 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


the  stomach  of  the  cow,  and  of  all  animals,  when  that 
organ  is  weakened  in  a certain  degree,  which  by  irri- 
tating the  fourth  stomach,  will  disorder  one  or  more  of 
the  quarters  of  the  udder,  and  spoil  the  milk  in  that 
quarter.  To  cure  these  disorders,  is  one  thing,  and 
requires  much  trouble ; to  prevent  them,  another,  of 
less  trouble,  but  of  infinitely  more  importance.  The 
prevention,  then,  is  simply  good,  wholesome  food,  and 
pure  water.  In  Scotland,  particularly,  where  there  is 
but  little  grass,  and  plenty  of  bad  hay,  this  disease  has 
at  times  been  very  prevalent,  and  proved  very  destruc- 
tive. 

II. — Diarrhoea^  or  Dysentery. 

This  disease  attacks  young  calves  from  the  age  of 
two  to  six  weeks  old  ; it  makes  them  thin,  and  some- 
times settles  into  a dysentery,  which  often  terminates 
fatally. 

Cause. — Change  of  diet,  particularly  when  stinted  in 
good  food  ; some  careful  housewives  being  so  thrifty  as 
not  to  allow  them  a sufficiency  of  proper  subsistence, 
which  nature  requires  at  so  early  an  age. 

Symptoms. — Great  weakness  ; loathing  of  food  ; with 
continual  purging:  every  thing  taken  into  the  stomach 
acidifies,  or  becomes  sour,  and  coagulates  therein.  In 
the  last  stage  of  the  disease,  the  stools  become  fetid 
and  bloody  ; a large  portion  of  the  defensive  mucus  of. 
the  intestines  is  mixed  with  them ; if  unchecked,  a gan- 
grene or  mortification  ensues,  and  terminates  in  the 
death  of  the  animal. 

Remedy. — Give,  in  a little  gruel,  the  following  : 

RECIPE  No.  11. 

Tincture  of  rhubarb,  one  tablespoonful ; 

Laudanum,  one  tcaspoonful. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


87 


Or, 

RECIPE  No.  12. 

Dover’s  powders,  two  scruples; 

Compound  cinnamon  powder,  three  scruples  ; 

Prepared  chalk,  two  drams. 

Mix  for  one  drink,  and  give  it  morning  and  evening,  as  long  as  the 
purging  continues. 


If  there  be  a continual  motion  to  dung,  add  to  this  a 
teaspoon ful  of  laudanum ; or, 

RECIPE  No.  13. 

New-laid  eggs,  with  their  shells,  two  ; 

Milk,  one  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  it  new-milk-warm,  two  or  three  times  a day,  until 
the  scouirng  ceases. 

If  these  means  fail,  an  ounce  of  diascordium  electuary 
should  be  given  every  morning ; and  if,  notwithstanding 
all  that  you  have  done,  the  excrement  becomes  bloody 
and  fetid,  give  one  of  the  following,  every  morning,  for 
a few  days  : — 

RECIPE  No.  14. 

Diascordium  electuary,  one  ounce  : 

Good  red  wine,  a wine-glass  full. 

Or, 

RECIPE  No.  15. 

Diascordium  electuary,  one  ounce  ; 

Elder-flower  water,  a wine-glassful ; 

Crude  sal-ammoniac,  half  a dram. 

Dissolve  the  sal-ammoniac  in  the  elder-flower  water,  and  then  add 
the  electuary  ; mix,  and  give. 

If  feverish  symptons  accompany  or  appear  in  this 
complaint,  or  if  the  calf  lie  down,  kick  at  its  belly,  and 
appear  in  pain,  take  away  half  a pint  of  blood,  or  more, 
if  the  age  of  the  calf  will  allow  it,  and  give  the  follow- 
ing purgative,  with  a teaspoonful  of  laudanum  therein. 


88 


farmer’s  and  grazier's 


RECIPE  No  16. 

Glauber  .salts,  " three  ounces  ; 

Powdered  ginger,  half  an  ounce  ; 

Aniseeds,  fresh  powdered,  half  an  ounce  ; 

Treacle,  two  tablespoonsful. 

Put  the  whole  into  a pitcher,  and  pour  upon  it  a pint  of  boiling 

water;  cover  it  do\vn,  and  give  it  when  new-milk  warm.  This 

is  sufficient  for  a calf  about  six  weeks  old. 

Remarks. — The  time  of  change  of  diet  with  calves  is 
a critical  and  trying  period  : care  should,  therefore,  be 
taken  to  change  it  very  little  for  the  first  fortnight;  and 
in  every  subsequent  change  to  inure  it  by  degrees : or  a 
dysentary  may  be  expected,  which,  if  not  timely  check- 
ed, will  inevitably  prove  fa  tab 

III. — Costiveness^  or  Obstruction  in  the  Bowels. 

Calves  are  liable  to  this  complaint  from  the  first 
moment  of  their  birth ; and  also  at  every  subsequent 
stage ; in  every  one  of  which  its  life  is  in  danger,  unless 
timely  relief  be  given. 

O'  / 

Cause. — Not  allowing  the  calf  to  suck  the  first  milk 
from  the  mother ; or  the  mother  being  fed  upon  too  dry 
meat,  will  induce  this  complaint  in  the  first  few  weeks 
of  the  calf’s  existence ; but  in  a more  advanced  age,  it 
may  result  from  improper  feeding,  exposure  to  damp, 
change  of  diet,  or  labouring  under  some  latent  internal 
disease. 

Symptons. — In  very  young  calves,  not  being  able  to 
dung,  or  even  sometimes  to  void  urine ; they  cease  to 
suck,  stamp,  with  their  hind  feet,  beome  short-breath- 
ed, and  generally  die  in  a short  time.  In  older  calves, 
nearly  the  same  symptoms  occur  ; which,  if  not  timely 
checked,  resolve  into  inflammation,  the  complaint  be- 
conies  more  serious,  and  terminates  fatally. 

Remedy. — If  the  calf  be  very  young,  draw  the  dung 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


89 


out  of  the  fundament  with  the  finger,  the  finger  being 
first  oiled,  and  introduced  carefully,  and  the  hard  excre- 
ment taken  out  gradually  : when  this  has  been  done, 
one  or  two  clysters  should  be  thrown  up,  composed  of 
infusion  of  mallows  or  camomile,*  and  a little  sweet  oil. 
If  this  be  not  effectual,  the  previous  purgative  drink, 
No.  16,  may  be  given  at  twice,  half  the  quantity  pre- 
scribed at  each  time,  morning  and  evening.  Of  course, 
if  the  calf  be  six  weeks  old,  it  may  be  given  as  there 
directed,  at  once  ; but  if  it  be  eight  weeks  old,  then  the 
following  should  be  given : — 

RECIPE  No.  17. 


Glauber  salts, 

Rhubarb,  powdered, 

Ginger,  carraway,  -f,..), 
and  aniseed  \ ot  each 

Treacle, 


four  ounces ; 
two  drams  ; 
one-third  of 
an  ounce ; 
three  tablcspoonsful. 


Put  the  whole  into  a pitcher,  pour  a pint  of  boiling  water  upon  the 
ingredients,  and  give  when  new-milk  warm. 


If  the  case  be  inflammatory,  then  the  following  may 
be  substituted : — 


RECIPE  NO.  18. 


Castor  oil, 

Rhubarb,  powdered. 
Prepared  kali. 

Ginger,  fresh  powdered. 
Aniseeds,  fresh  powdered. 
Treacle, 


four  ounces ; 
two  drams  ; 
one  dram  ; 

a quarter  of  an  ounce  ; 
a quarter  of  an  ounce  ; 
two  tablcspoonsful. 


Mix,  and  give  it  in  a pint  of  warm  gruel. 


* Infusion  of  camomile,  or  of  other  herbs,  is  made  in  the  same 
way  as  you  make  tea,  merely  by  pouring  boiling  water  on  the 
herb,  and  suffering  it  to  stand  awhile,  covered  closely,  to  extract 
the  principal  strength  of  the  herb.  If  the  quantity  be  more  than 
the  tea-pot  will  contain,  a clean  jug  will  answer  the  same  pur- 
pose, the  top  being  covered  over  with  a doubled  cloth.  When  the 
infusion  cools  to  about  new-milk  warmth,  it  may  be  poured  off  for 
use. 

H 2 


90 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


In  a more  advanced  ?ige,  the  salts  or  the  castor  oil 
should  be  increased  ; the  other  ingredients  may  remain 
the  same. 

After  purging  give  the  following  cordial  drink,  w^hich 
will  not  only  invigorate  , the  system,  but  produce  a 
healthful  tendency  in  the  blood. 


RECIPE  No.  19. 


Aniseeds,  fresh  powjdered 
Carraway-seeds,  ditto. 

Coriatider-sceds,  ditto. 

Ginger,  ditto. 

Grains  of  paradise,  ditto. 

Treacle, 

Fresh  butter,  a lump  the  size  of  a walnut : 

Put  the  ingredients  into  a pitcher,  and  pour  upon  them  a pint  of 
boiling  ale.  Cover  all  down  till  iiew-milk  warm,  and  then  give  it. 


one  ounce ; 
one  ounce 
half  an  ounce ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
half  an  ounce ; 
two  table-spoonsful ; 


This  will  be  found  an  excellent  drink  to  remove  indis- 
position and  flatulency  in  the  stomach  ; it  also  strength- 
ens the  stomach,  and  by  promoting  the  digestive  pro- 
cess— the  best  method  of  preserving  health  in  young 
animals — restores  the  appetite,  and  secures  health. 

IV. — Hoose^  or  Cough. 


Cause. — Exposure  to  cold,  moist  atmosphere,  or  an 
insufficiency  of  wholesome  food.  It  generally  attacks 
young  calves  during  the  first  year ; is  not  very  difficult 
to  cure,  if  attended  to  early  ; but  if  neglected  at  this 
period,  almost  invariably  terminates  fatally.  ^ 

Symptoms. — A continual  ticklish  sensation  in  the 
throat,  caused  by  very  small  worms  being  engendered 
in  the  branches  of  the  windpipe,  and  clustering  together 
in  a thick,  whitish  fluid,  cause  the  young  animal  to  be 
in  an  almost  constant  state  of  hoosing  or  coughing  ; by 
which  the  digestive  powers  become  so  much  impaired, 
as  to  render  the  chewing  of  the  cud  impracticable:  if 
this  disorder  be  not  subdued  by  proper  medicines,  the 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


91 


animal  languishes  and  pines  away,  as  if  in  a consump- 
tion. 

Remedy. — The  following  ball  and  drink  will,  if  early 
administered,  generally  remove  . this  complaint. 

RECIPE  No.  20. 

Calomel,  eight  to  twelve  grains; 

Gentian,  in  powder,  two  drams  ; 

Syrup,.  enough  to  make  it  into  a ball. 

Give  it  in  the- morning,  fasting,  and  let  the  calf  be  kept  from  food 
for  two  hours  : half  a pint  of  gruel  should  be  administered  at 
the  time  of  giving  the  ball,  to  wash  it  down. 

Ifthe  hoosing  continue,  repeat  the  ball  in  about  four 
or  five  days.  After  each  ball,  give  the  following  pur- 
gative drink  : 

RECIPE  No.  21.  . 

Epsom  salts,  four  ounces  ; 

Ginger,  in  powder,  two  drams  ; 

Pour  a pint  of  boiling  water  upon  these,  and.  give  it  when  new- 
milk  warm. 

The  following  is  also  an  excellent  drench,  which 
may  be  poured  into  the  calf’s  nostrils. 

RECIPE  No.  22. 

Oil  of  turpentine,  a table-spoonful ; 

Sweet  oil,  a tea-spoonful ; 

Warm  water,  a quarter  of  a pint. 

V. — Canker  in  the  JWouth. 

Cause. — Heat  of  the  body,  induced  probably  by  cos- 
tiveness ; and,  like  most  other  disorders  to  which  calves 
are  subject,  it  arises  from  improper  food,  or  that  which 
is  not  easy  of  digestion. 

Symptoms. — The  mouth  is  so  affected,  that  the  young 
calf  cannot  eat  properly.  The  inside  of  the  cheeks  and 


92 


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gums  are  tender,  red,  and  ulcerated,  and  the  teeth  loose. 
It  is  sometimes  accompanied  with  feyer,  and  then  in- 
ternal remedies  must  be  applied. 

Remedy. — The  following  mixture  is  generally  a cure 
for  this  complaint : 


RECIPE  No.  23. 


Burnt  alum, 

Roch  alum, 

Common  salt, 

Armenian  bole,  in  powder, 
Honey, 


half  an  ounce  ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
two  ounces. 


Pour  a pint  and  a half  of  hot  vinegar  upon  these  ingredients  in  a 
covered  jar : close  it  down,  and  when  cold,  put  it  into  a bottle 
for  use. 

The  mouth  must  be  well  washed,  two  or  three  times 
a day,  with  this  mixture,  in  the  following  manner : — 
round  one  end  of  a cane  or  stick,  two  feet  long,  fold  a 
small  lump  of  linen,  or  fine  tow:  secure  it  well  with 
strong  thread  : then  shake  the  bottle  well : pour  some 
of  the  mixture  into  a pot ; dip  the  end  of  the  cane  or 
stick  into  the  gargle  mixture,  and  apply  it  all  over  the 
mouth. 

If  feverish  symptoms  appear,  administer  the  purga- 
tive drink.  No.  16,  page  88 ; and,  after  that  has  ope- 
rated, give  the  cordial  drink.  No.  19,  page  90;  and 
repeat  if  necessary. 


VI. — Inflammatory  Disorders, 


Cause. — Though  indigestion,  from  improper  feeding, 
is  the  cause  of  most  of  the  disorders  of  calves,  yet  some- 
times they  thrive  too  quickly,  or  form  so  much  blood, 
as  to  be  attacked  with  inflammatory  complaints.  This 
is  not  often  the  case  during  the  time  they  are  fed  on 
milk,  but  frequently  when  about  one  year  old. 

Symptoms. — Heaviness,  hanging  of  the  head  and  ears, 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


93 


watery  eyes,  cough,  loss  of  appetite,  and  quick  and 
difficult  breathing,  or  rather  wheezing. 

Remedy. — Bleed  freely,  even  to  fainting,  and  after- 
wards give  the  following  saline  drought : 

RECIPE  No.  24. 

Epsom  salts,  six  ounces, 

Water,  one  quart. 

Mix,  and  give  it  either  at  once  or  twice,  according  to  the  age  or 
constitution  of  the  calf. 

This  may  be  repeated,  if  necessary  ; and  if  the  cos- 
tiveness be  not  removed,  give  the  following  clyster : 

RECIPE  No.  25. 

Table  salt,  four  ounces. 

Warm  water,  two  quarts. 

Observations. — When  calves  are  about  a year  old, 
great  care  must  be  taken  to  prevent  these  inflamma- 
tory diseases,  by  keeping  them  on  the  barer  pastures. 
This  is  more  effectual  than  all  the  medicinal  preven- 
tives. Thousands  of  calves  have  been  destroyed  by 
forcing  them,  as  it  is  termed  ; that  is,  by  keeping  them 
too  well.  Moderation  in  food  is  particularly  essential. 
Writers  on  cattle  medicine  generally  recommend 
drenching  and  bleeding,  when  young  stock  are  turned 
into  good  pasture : this  is  very  good  advice ; but  we 
will  give  better — keep  them  out  of  it  / for  certainly  pre- 
vention is  much  better  than  cure.  Neat  cattle  at  all 
ages,  are,  from  going  too  suddenly  into  good  pastures, 
very  susceptible  of  inflammation  ; and  calves  in  parti- 
cular suffer  from  too  hasty  a change.  They  require 
good  feeding,  but  that  feeding  must  be  of  the  nutritious^ 
rather  than  of  the  succulent^  kind. 

We  have*  thus  been  very  explicit  in  the  treatment 
and  disorders  of  calves,  because  we  consider  that,  by 
care  and  attention  in  their  early  days,  a good  constitu- 


94 


farmer’s  axd  grazier’s 


tion  may  be  secured,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  disor- 
ders which  affect  their  more  mature  years,  altogether 
prevented.  Before  we  close  this  part  of  our  subject, 
however,  we  have  one  more  remark  to  make  on  the 
treatment  of  the  cow  after  calving  : — 

Some  cows,  from  an  abundance  of  milk,  are  liable 
to  a swelling  of  the  udder  after  calving.  It  is  necessary, 
in  such  cases,  to  draw  off  the  milk  several  times  a day, 
if  the  calf  does  not  suck  a sufficient  quantity,  and  wash 
the  udder  with  warm  water,  or  with  a decoction  of 
marsh-mallows.  These  means  are  generally  sufficient ; 
and  there  is  no  danger  of  their  causing  inflammation 
and  abscess — diseases  which  require  considerable  time 
and  trouble  to  cure,  and  which  are  oftentimes  brought 
on  by  the  application  of  butter,  lard,  or  some  rancid 
ointment ; which  are  too  generally  the  applications 
made  use  of  on  this  occasion. 


OF  THE 

XNTURNAI.  STRUCTURE  OP  THE  COW, 

And  the  economy  of 

THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

In  the  brief  outline  we  are  about  to  give  of  the  in- 
ternal structure  of  neat  cattle,  we  shall  not  enter  into 
an  anatomical  dissertation;  but  merely  describe  so 
much  of  the  digestive  system  as  will  enable  the  reader 
to  comprehend  the  ruminating  process;  by  which 
means  he  will  not  only  be  the  better  qualified  to  pre- 
vent many  complaints  to  which  neat  cattle  are  subject 
from  improper  treatment,  but  he  will  also  be  the  bet- 
ter enabled  to  understand  the  symptoms  of  the  com- 
plaints with  which  they  may  be  attacked,  and  to  adopt, 
with  greater  probabilities  of  success,  the  prescribed 
methods  of  cure. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


95 


Neat  cattle  belong  to  the  ruminating  tribe  of  ani- 
mals ; that  is,  they  masticate  or  chew  their  food  a se- 
cond time,  and  then  in  a more  perfect  manner ; thereby 
obtaining  from  it  every  possible  particle  of  nourishment. 
For  this  purpose  they  are  furnished  with  four  distinct 
stomachs,  into  which  their  food  passes  in  the  several 
stages  of  digestion.  These  will  be  more  fully  explained. 

When  neat  cattle  first  swallow  their  food,  it  passes 
down  their  throats  in  very  coarse  and  large  mouthfuls ; 
when  they  have  taken  enough  in  this  state,  they  lie 
down  to  ruminate,  or,  as  it  is  termed,  to  chew  the  cud 
at  their  ease.  To  render  this  process  easily  to  be  un- 
derstood, we  shall  briefly  describe  the  four  several  sto- 
machs. 

The  first  stomach,  called  the  rumen^  or  paunch,  is  a 
very  large  receptacle  for  the  food,  where  it  is  retained 
until  the  animal  ruminates.  There  is  a place  in  the 
paunch  contiguous  to  where  it  joins  the  second  stomach, 
which  seems  to  act  as  a valve,  and  prevent  the  escape 
of  air  during  the  maceration  of  food  in  it.  It  is  to  this 
stomach  that  the  food  passes  on  being  first  swallowed 
by  the  cow. 

The  second  stomach,  called  tht  honey-comb^  or  bon- 
net, is  much  smaller  than  the  paunch,  and  in  its  internal 
structure  resembles  that  of  the  honey-comb ; from 
whence  it  takes  its  name.  It  is  situated  rather  to  the 
right  side  of  the  gullet,  near  to  the  midriff,  or  skirt,  and 
on  the  upper  and  fore  part  of  the  paunch.  The  honey- 
comb is  internally  covered  with  a sort  of  net- work, 
which  seems  to  act  as  a grate  or  strainer  to  keep  back 
any  hard  or  foreign  bodies  that  may  have  been  swal- 
lowed ; pins,  nails,  and  bits  of  wood  and  stick,  having 
been  found  therein,  entangled  in  the  grate-like  entrap- 
ment. This  stomach  seems  designed  as  a receptacle 
for  the  more  fluid  parts  of  the  food,  as  well  as  to  moisten 
and  press  on  the  ruminated  morsel  in  its  progress  to  the 
third  stomach. 

The  third  stomach,  termed  manyplies^  or  mctnifoldsy 
is  situated  on  the  upper  and  right  side  of  the  paunch. 


96 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


and  is  generally  found  filled  with  food.  It  then  ap- 
proaches in  shape  to  the  globular  form ; but  after  a 
fast  of  twenty-four  hours,  or  more,  bears  more  resem- 
blance to  that  of  a kidney.  This  part  of  the  system 
may  be  considered  as  a strong  muscular  bag,  supplied 
internally  with  numerous  leaves,  from  whence  it  de- 
rives its  name,  and  between  which  the  food  passes  to 
undergo  a further  preparation. 

The  fourth  and  last  stomach,  called  the  mawj  resem- 
bles the  pouch  of  a bagpipe  in  form,  with  its  right  and 
smaller  extremity  connected  with  the  intestine.  It  is 
in  this  maw  that  the  digestive  process  is  completed — 
the  former  three  being  only  preparatory.  This  sto- 
mach is  very  capacious,  being  thrown  into  large  plaits 
or  folds,  from  whence  a peculiar  fluid,  called  ihe  gastric 
juice,  is  secreted,  which  mingling  with  the  ruminated 
food,  converts  it  into  a substance  which  then  takes  the 
name  of  chyme;  i\\\s  chyme  is  conveyed  into  the  smal- 
ler intestines,  and  in  its  passage  yields  the  nutritive 
principle  necessary  for  the  sustenance  of  the  animal. 
The  fourth  stomach  derives,  from  the  gastric  juice,  the 
property  of  curdling  milk ; the  maw  of  calves,  when 
dried,  is  called  rennet. 

The  digestive  process  is  that  change  which  the  food 
undergoes  in  the  four  stomachs  and  intestines,  and  by 
which  a fluid  is  separated  from  it  for  the  nourishment 
and  growth  of  the  body. 

Grass,  hay,  or  any  other  Iqnd  of  food  that  the  animal 
eats,  passes  directly,  without  m,uch  chewing,  into  the 
paunch,  where  it  is  retained  until  a sufficient  quantity 
be  collected.  The  food,  while  in  the  paimch,  mixes 
with  a fluid  secreted  in  this  receptacle,  in  which  it  is 
macerated,  and  thereby  undergoes  a peculiar  change, 
which  destroys  its  texture,  and  convei;ts  it  into  a pulpy 
mass. 

When  the  animal  dies  down  to  ruminate,  or  chew 
the  cud,  as  it  is  termed,  the  paunch  contracts,  and  by 
that  action  propels  some  of  its  contents  into  the  honey- 
comb, and  from  thence  a portion  of  it  is  transmitted,  by 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


97 


a voluntary  act  of  the  beast,  through  the  gullet  into 
the  mouth,  to  be  more  intimately  mixed  with  the  sali- 
va, and  more  perfectly  masticated  by  the  grinders. 

The  beast  having  chewed  the  oud,  swallows  it,  and 
it  now  passes  into  the  maniplies,  to  be  reduced  to  a 
still  finer  pulp,  and  incorporated  with  the  fluid  secreted 
in  that  stomach.  The  alimentary  mass  is  gradually 
pressed  from  the  manyplies  into  the  true  digesting  sto- 
mach, the  maw,  in  which  it  undergoes  a change  that 
is  absolutely  necessary  to  the  separation  of  the  nutriti- 
- ous  part  from  it.  The  food,  after  being  detained  some 
time  in  the  maw  for  this  purpose,  is  expelled  into  the 
intestines,  and  in  them  the  digestive  process  is  com- 
pleted. 

In  the  intestines  it  becomes  intimately  mixed  with 
the  bile  and  other  secretions,  which  produce  a further 
decomposition  in  it,  the  result  of  which  is  the  separa- 
tion of  the  nutritious  from  the  excrementitious  part, 
which  action  is  going  on  throughout  the  long  track  of 
the  intestinal  gut,  or  canal. 

The  nutritious  fluid  extracted  from  the  food,  is  of  a 
white,  or  milk-like  colour,  and  is  termed  chyle.  This 
chyle  is  taken  up  by  myriads  of  minute  vessels,  and 
conveyed  at  length  to  the  left  jugular  vein,  and  there  it 
mixes  with  the  mass  of  blood  to  supply  that  waste 
which  the  body  is  continually  sustaining  from  the  ne- 
cessary actions  of  life  ; while  the  excrementitious  part 
is  propelled  along  the  intestinal  canal,  and  at  last  ex- 
pelled the  body. 

The  Udder. 

The  connexion  subsisting  between  the  fourth  sto- 
mach and  the  udder  of  the  cow,  is  so  intimately  blend- 
ed, that  the  one  cannot  be  affected  without  the  other 
being  materially  influenced : hence  we  may  see  the 
necessity  there  is  of  feeding  cattle  properly,  and  in  at- 
tending to  their  health,  if  we  would  avail  ourselves  of 
the  profit  to  be  derived  from  their  produce. 

I 


98 


tarmer’s  and  grazier^s 


If  we  examine  the  udder  of  a milch  cow,  we  shall 
find  it  composed  of  cells  of  different  sizes,  becoming 
larger  as  they  approach  the  teats.  Tn  a cow  that  has 
had  several  calves,  we  find  two  large  veins  proceeding 
from  the  udder,  and  passing  up  under  the  belly.  These 
are  remarkably  large,  when  the  udder  is  full  of  milk, 
and  are  commonly  called  the  milk  veins  by  dairymen. 
In  consequence  of  the  fourth  stomach  being  so  inti- 
mately connected  with  the  udder,  it  partakes  of  its 
sympathies,  and  is  affected  by  whatever  disarranges 
that  part  of  the  system ; so  that  if  the  fourth  stomach 
be  disordered,  the  milk  in  one  or  more  of  the  quarters 
will  be  spoiled. 

The  udder  consists  of  four  quarters,  or  divisions,  each 
having  an  excretory  duct,  or  teat,  at  the  extremity  of 
which  there  is  a contrivance  for  confining  the  milk, 
but  in  a limited  degree ; for  if  the  milk  be  suffered  to 
accumulate  in  the  udder  by  neglecting  to  milk  at  the 
proper  time,  it  will  at  length  force  its  way,  but  imper- 
fectly, through  the  teat,  and  be  seen  passing  off  in  drops 
or  in  a small  stream.  This  voluntary  act  of  nature,  is, 
however,  a source  of  pain  and  injury  to  the  cow ; and 
should  be  prevented  by  timely  assistance. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


99 


OF 

TH3E:  DXSORDEKS 

TO  WHICH 

NEAT  CATTLE  ARE  SUBJECT; 

WITH  THE 

CAUSES,  SYMPTOMS,  AND  METHODS  OF  CURE- 

Observations. 

The  works  which  have  hitherto  appeared  on  this 
important  subject,  have  generally  described  the  dis- 
eases of  neat  cattle  under  so  many  (and  sometimes 
such  very  absurd)  names,  as  to  induce  the  belief  that 
they  were  both  numerous  and  complicated. — The  truth 
is,  however,  that  they  are  very  few  in  number,  and  a 
knowledge  of  them  is  not  at  all  difficult  to  acquire. 
We  may,  indeed  describe  the  whole  of  them  under  two 
or  three  heads, — viz.  those  ^ resulting  from  indigestion  ; 
those  consequent  upon  over-feeding ; and  those  atten- 
dant upon  repletion  of  the  blood-vessels.  Of  course, 
we  are  considering  internal  disorders  only ; for  if  we 
include  wounds  and  similar  accidents,  we  must  extend 
our  list  to  a fourth  class. 

The  two  first  are,  however,  almost  alike  in  charac- 
ter, and  may  indeed  be  referred  to  one  and  the  same 
cause,  namely  indigestion — for  partial  overfeeding 
would  rarely  be  productive  of  serious  consequences, 
were  not  the  digestive  organs  in  a state  of  relaxation 
from  previous  improper  feeding.  ^ 

But  before  we  enter  into  a minute  detail  of  the  caus- 
es, symptoms,  and  cure  of  diseases  generally,  it  will  be 
very  useful  to  say  a word  or  two  on  their  prevention^ 
and  at  the  same  time  throw  in  a few  ideas  on  a subject 
which  is  but  little  understood,  namely,  the  causing  or 
engendering  in  neat  cattle  a pre-disposition  to  disease. 


100 


FARMER^S  A\D  GRAZIER^S 


The  prevention  of  disease  in  cattle  is  an  easier  task 
than  many  people  imagine, — it  consists  of  nothing  more 
than  taking  care,  while  they  are  young,  that  they  have 
good  food  in  moderate,  but  sufficient  quantities ; a due 
allowance  of  pure  and  wholesome  water : to  be  kept 
clean,  and  free  from  impurities  both  of  the  stable  and 
the  field  ; to  be  protected  from  damp  and  unwholesome 
influences ; and  to  be  allowed  moderate  and  free  exer- 
cise.— All  this  is  veiry  simple— it  is  merely  taking  na- 
ture for  our  guide,  and  following  implicitly  her  plain 
dictates  in  preference  to  our  own  opinions  ; but  its  adop- 
tion will  be  attended  wuth  the  advantage  of  laying  a 
sound  constitution,  which  will  not  only  render  the  ani- 
mal less  subject  to  many  diseases,  but  will  also  be  proof 
against  many  others. 

A contrary  practice,  of  slighting  them  while  young; 
or  of  feeding  them  indiscriminately  ; — of  suffering  them 
to  drink  excessively,  or  of  drinking  standing  and  im- 
pure water;  of  allowing  them  to  remain  dirty  in  their 
coats  and  stable  ; — of  subjecting  them  to  all  weathers 
and  influences  ;• — and  of  restraining-them  in  their  exer- 
cise ; — all,  or  any  of  these  practices  weakens  their  com 
stitution,  and  lays  the  foundation  of  a train  of  disorders ; 
— the  nervous  system  becomes  depressed,  the  digestive 
organs  impaired,  and  the  strength  of  the  whole  body 
diminished.  In  this  state  of  comparitive  enfeeblement, 
they  are  susceptible  of  nervous  diseases;  or,  in  other 
words,  more  liable  to  their  attack.  This  is  what  in 
medical  language  is  called  pre-disposition  to  disease y 
and  may  be  considered  as  the  remote  cause  of  nearly 
every  complaint  to  which  they  are  in  after  life  subject. 

Such  are  the  causes  which  induce  a pre-disposition 
to  disease : — the  disposition  or  foundation  existing,  it 
can  be  easily  understood  that  a very  slight  exciting 
cause  is  capable  of  calling  a disease  into  action  or  exis- 
tence ; cold,  damp  weather,  or  improper  food,  or  win- 
ter,— circumstances  which,  in  animals  of  sound  and 
healthy  constitutions,  would  be  productive  of  but  slight 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


101 


inconvenience,  are  here  sufficient  to  produce  serious 
and  even  fatal  diseases. 

DISEASES  WHICH  RESULT  FROM 

XNDiaESTZON. 

Indigestion  is  the  most  varied  of  all  diseases  ; begin- 
ning from  simple  and  apparently  unimportant  deviations 
from  health,  it  gradually  becomes  so  complicated,  and 
often  at  length  so  undermines  every  power  of  the  sys- 
tem, that  it  is  difficult  to  give  a view  of  its  symptoms, 
which  shall  at  once  be  sufficiently  full  and  distinct. — It 
is  an  affection  of  the  central  part  of  a most  complicated 
structure,  capable  of  influencing  even  the  remotest, 
and  each  through  many  channels,  and  in  various  ways. 

The  Yellows^  or  Jaundice. 

This  disorder  often  occurs  to  neat  cattle,  and  especi- 
ally to  milch  cows ; it  attacks  them  mostly  in  the  spring, 
or  autumn  ; and  consists  of  a disordered  state  of  the 
third  and  fourth  stomachs,  and  sometimes  of  the  first. 

Cause. — A debilitated  state  of  the  stomachs,  arising 
from  slow  and  imperfect  digestion,  by  which  the  bile, 
being  obstructed  in  its  proper  passage,  gets  conveyed 
into  the  circulating  mass  of  blood,  and  is  diffused  into 
the  system  itself.  A w^eakness  of  the  digestive  organs, 
arising  from  improper  feeding,  seems  to  be  the  pre- 
disposing cause,  and  the  variable  state  of  the  weather 
in  spring  and  autumn,  the  immediate  or  exciting  cause. 

Symptoms. — In  the  first  stage  of  this  disease  the 
whites  of  the  eyes  appear  of  a yellow^  tint,  and  as  it  in- 
creases, the  whole  skin  becomes  impregnated  with  the 
same  yellow  hue  ; the  ears,  tail,  eyes,  and  mouth,  are 
the  parts  where  it  is  most  conspicuous  to  the  sight ; — 
after  a while,  the  bowels  become  costive,  and  the  teeth 

I 2 


102 


farmer’s  and  grazier^s 


loose.  In  every  stage  of  the  disease  the  animals  have 
a weakness,  and  great  debility  of  the  nervous  system, 
an  aversion  to  move,  and  want  of  appetite.  When  in 
the  pasture,  they  wander  about  by  themselves,  fre- 
quenting the  side  of  hedges  or  fences  in  a dejected  man- 
ner. If  a milch  cow,  the  secretion  of  the  milk  is  les- 
sened, and  what  is  yielded  is  of  a yellowish  and  stringy 
quality;  generally  from  one  quarter  only,  and  that 
quarter  is  hard,  more  or  less  swollen,  and  tender.  As 
soon  as  want  of  appetite  and  the  dull  and  languid  ap- 
pearance of  the  animal  comes  on,  the  milk  is  changed 
into  a fluid  somewhat  resembling  matter,  and  smells 
offensively. 

If  the  disorder  be  neglected,  or  improperly  treated, 
the  udder  sometimes  bursts,  and,  after  discharging  mat- 
ter for  some  time,  a large  fleshy  fungus  grows  out  of  it, 
which  remains  for  a time,  and  then  gradually  sepa- 
rates and  falls  off,  while  the  sore  which  ensues  gradu- 
ally heals.  Sometimes  the  udder  remains  in  a harden- 
ed, condensed  state,  and  becomes  useless;  or,  in  the 
language  of  dairymen,  that  quarter  is  lost. 


Cure. — In  the  first  attack  of  the  yellows,  let  the  fol- 
lowing drench  be  given  ; and  if  the  weather  be  open, 
turn  the  animal  into  a field  where  there  is  but  bare 
pasture. 


RECIPE  No.  26.  * 


Commoii  salt, 
m Barbadoes  aloes, 

Ginger, 

W ater, 

Anodyne  carminative  tincture. 


four  ounces  ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
one  dram  ; 
one  quart ; 
two  ounces ; 


TO  MAKE  THE  ANODYNE  CARMINATIVE  TINCTURE. 


Best  Turkey  opium,  one  ounce; 

Cloves,  bruised,  one  ounce  ; 

Best  Jamaica  ginger,  one  ounce  ; 

Best  Cogniac  brandy,  ‘one  quart. 


Mix  them  together  in  a well-corked  bottle,  shake  it  frequently  for 
about  three  weeks ; when  settled,  strain  it  through  blotting  pa- 
per, and  it  will  be  ready  for  use  as  wanted.  Keep  it  well  corked. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


103 


In  very  violent  attacks  of  this  disorder,  the  drench 
should  be  assisted  by  giving  the  animal  whey  every 
three  or  four  hours,  and  throwing  up  a clyster.  The 
swollen  udder  may  have  some  olive  oil  gently  rubbed 
thereon.  And  if  the  animal  be  in  good  condition,  two 
or  three  quarts  of  blood  may  be  taken  with  advantage ; 
but  it  must  not  be  turned  out  to  pasture  the  same  day 
it  is  bled.  After  this  disorder  has  yielded  to  medicine 
and  attention,  the  following  is  an  excellent  stomachic 
to  invigorate  the  system : 


RECIPE  No.  27. 


Cummin  seeds,  powdered. 
Aniseeds,  ditto, 

Gentian  root. 

Grains  of  Paradise,  in  powder. 
Salt  of  tartar. 

Treacle, 


two  ounces, 

two  ounces, 

two  ounces, 

one  ounce, 

one  ounce, 

four  table-spoonsful. 


Mix,  either  in  a quart  of  warm  water,  or  a quart  of  thin  gruel,  for 
one  drink,  and  give  it  ncw-milk  warm. 


Chronic  Indigestion. 


The  predisposing  cause  of  this  disorder  may  be  re- 
ferred to  the  method  of  feeding  cattle  during  the  win- 
ter. Hay  is  then  had  recourse  to,  as  a substitute  for 
grass, — but  all  hay  is  not  good ; on  the  contrary,  some 
is  very  deficient  in  nourishment,  fibrous,  and  bad.  If 
cows  that  are  tied  up,  eat  much  hay  of  this  kind,  the 
coarse  parts  of  the  fibre  accumulate  in  the  third  sto- 
mach, and  at  length  weaken  the  digestive  system. 
Those  which  are  more  at  liberty,  are  enabled  through 
exercise  to  digest  bad  hay  better ; still  the  same  eflfects, 
year  after  year,  impair  the  digestive  organs  materially ; 
for  although  the  summer  feeding  restores  the  animal  to 
health,  the  return  of  winter  brings  on  a recurrence  of 
the  complaint,  and  each  year’s  effect  is  an  addition  to 
those  of  the  preceding.  The  exciting  causes  are  those 
which  follow : — 


104 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


Cause, — Exposure  to  wet  and  cold  w^eatber ; the 
grinding  teeth  injured  by  the  stalks  of  dock,  or  bram- 
ble, mixed  with  hay,  renders  mastication  difficult  for  a 
time  ; drinking  freely  of  cold  water  after  being  heated 
by  exercise,  or  worried  by  dogs.  From  either  of  these 
may  indisposition  proceed,  they  being  often  followed  by 
a chill,  or  cold,  which,  if  not  timely  removed,  is  some- 
times productive  of  serious,  and  even  fatal  diseases. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptoms  are,  listlessness  of 
manner,  followed  by  a gradual  disrelish  of  food ; the 
animal  appears  dull  and  heavy,  and  sometimes  fever- 
ish symptoms  are  induced.  If  the  costiveness  which 
usually  accompany  these  symptoms,  be  not  removed, 
an  inflammation  of  the  bowels  may  be  expected,  and 
must  be  treated  accordingly. 


Cure. — As  soon  as  you  perceive  that  any  of  your 
neat  cattle  are  affected  by  cold,  or  that  they  are  cos- 
tive, give  either  of  the  following  purgative  draughts  : 


Or, 


RECIPE  No.  28. 

Glauber’s  salts,  one  pound  ; 

Ginger,  powdered,  two  ounces  ; 

Treacle,  four  ounces. 


RECIPE  No.  29. 


Epsom  salts. 
Aniseeds,  powdered, 
Ginger,  powdered. 
Treacle, 


one  pound ; 
one  ounce  ; 
one  ounce  ; 
four  ounces. 


In  either  case,  put  the  ingredients  into  a pitcher,  pour  upon  them 
three  pints  of  boiling  water,  and  give  it  when  new-milk  warm. 


In  a day  or  two,  repeat  the  drench,  and  if  it  do  not 
remove  the  costiveness,  administer  the  following  clys- 
ter: 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


105 


RECIPE  No.  30. 

Thin  gruel,  (new-milk  warm)  three  quarts  ; 

Common  salt,  eight  ounces  ; 

Sweet  oil,  half  a pint. 

Bleeding  may  also  be  applied  to,  if  feverish  or  in- 
flammatory symptoms  appear.  If  the  animal  be  affect- 
ed with  a cough,  quick  pulse,  a discharge  from  the  nos- 
trils, and  soreness  of  the  throat,  it  has  settled  into  a 
catarrh,  and  must  be  treated  accordingly.  See  Catarrh, 

Diarrhoea,^  or  Looseness. 

Cattle  are  most  subject  to  this  complaint  in  the 
months  of  April  and  May,  especially  if  the  season  be 
wet  and  cold : cows  after  calving  are  very  liable  to  its 
attacks,  if  exposed  to  wet  situations  about  this  time : 
cattle  which  have  been  improperly  or  poorly  fed  during 
the  winter,  are  also  particularly  subject  to  its  influence. 
— It  is  mostly  soon  cured  ; but  if  not  speedily  attended 
to,  or  improperly  treated,  settles  into  Dysentery,  and 
often  terminates  fatally. 

Cause. — The  remote  or  predisposing  causes  are  as 
before  stated ; but  the  immediate  or  exciting  causes 
exist  generally  in  the  changeable  state  of  the  weather, 
and  the  want  of  sufficient  vigour  in  the  animal  to  resist 
those  changes  ; or  from  a weakness  of  the  bowels,  in- 
duced by  bad  or  poor  keep,  and  hastened  by  the  debi- 
litating effects  of  milking. 

Symptoms. — Frequent  and  copious  evacuations  of 
their  dung,  sometimes  of  a slimy  or  mucous,  and  at 
others  of  a bloody,  appearance.  As  the  disease  ad- 
vances, the  beast  becomes  reduced  in  flesh,  and  loses 
its  appetite,  the  dung  has  a glairy  appearance,  and  the 
complaint  becomes  settled  into  dysentery.  It  may  be 
distinguished  from  the  latter,  however,  or  known  if  it 
has  terminated  in  that  complaint,  by  the  purging  in 


106 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


dysentery  being  accompanied  with  very  severe  gripings, 
and  painful  efforts  to  expel  the  dung ; besides  which, 
the  latter  is  mostly  prevalent  in  autumn. 

Cure. — In  the  first  place,  if  the’"  weather  be  unfa- 
vourable, put  the  affected  animal  into  a cow-house,  or 
in  a situation  sheltered  from  the  weather,  and  give  the 
following  drench : 


RECIPE  No.  31. 

^ Barbadoes  aloes,  four  to  six  drams  ; 

Common  salt,  six  ounces  ; 

Ginger,  powdered,  one  to  three  drams ; 

Anodyne  carminative  tincture,  two  ounces: 

Water,  one  quart. 

Mix,  and  give  it  early  in  the  morning. 

If  the  weather  be  favourable,  turn  the  animal  into 
pasture  which  has  but  a bare,  short  bite.  In  the  even- 
ing give  the  following  cordial,  astringent  drench : 

RECIPE  No.  32. 


Powdered  catechu. 

Allspice,  fresh  powdered, 
Carraway,  ditto 

Good  beer,  or  good  table  ale. 


two  drams ; 
two  drams  ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
a pint. 


The  first  three  ingredients  must  be  simmered  for  a few  minutes  in 
half  the  beer,  and  when  it  is  ready  to  be  given,  the  remainder  of 
the  beer  should  be  added. 


These  drenches  should  be  continued  three  or  four 
days  after  the  scouring  has  ceased,  and  until  the  dung 
resembles  that  of  healthy  cows:  the  feeding,  mean- 
while, should  be  such  as  is  easy  of  digestion ; if  your 
hay  be  very  good,  give  it,  a little  at  a time,  and  often, 
with  a little  fine  bran,  or  pollard  : and  let  the  water 
given  to  drink  be  just  slightly  warmed. 

Dysentery Slimy  Flux^  or  Scouring  Rot. 

Cattle  kept  in  low,  damp,  and  swampy  situations,  are 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


107 


at  all  times  subject  to  the  attacks  of  this  disease  ; but 
it  is  most  prevalent  in  autumn.  It  is  also  the  complaint 
into  which  diarrhoea  generally  resolves,  when  impro- 
perly treated,  or  neglected. 

Cause, — Dysentery  is  mostly  brought  on  by  the  per- 
spiration being  suppressed  by  exposure  to  damp,  or 
sudden  vicissitudes  of  the  weather.  Cattle,  also,  that 
have  been  overheated  by  driving,  or  worried,  and  after- 
wards lie  down  upon  the  wet  grass,  are  very  liable*  to 
its  attacks.  If  the  system  be  predisposed  by  bad  feed- 
ing, or  weakened  by  previous  complaints,  a very  slight 
exciting  cause  will  be  sufficient  to  produce  the  com- 
plaint; a cold,  or  chill  may  be  the  first  appearance 
that  disease  is  present ; and  if  those  symptoms  be  dis- 
regarded, a diarrhoea,  or  dysentery  will  inevitably  suc- 
ceed ; and  the  more  it  is  neglected  the  more  difficult 
and  obstinate  will  be  the  cure. 

Symptoms, — The  animal  is  seen  to  make  frequent 
and  painful  efforts  to  expel  the  dung,  which  is  thin, 
slimy,  and  altered  in  colour ; sometimes,  indeed,  nothing 
but  slimy  or  liquid  matter  is  ejected : flatulency  suc- 
ceeds, accompanied  with  severe  gripings  of  the  bowels, 
evident  from  the  restless  state  of  the  animal,  frequently 
lying  down  and  soon  rising  again : a rumbling  noise  is 
also  heard  in  the  intestines,  from  wind  generated  in 
them.  As  the  disease  increases,  the  beast  becomes  re- 
duced to  a weak  and  debilitated  state ; its  appetite  is 
lost,  the  dewlap  hangs  down,  and  has  a flabby  appear- 
ance ; the  dung  runs  off  with  a putrid  and  offensive 
smell,  and  as  it  falls  upon  the  ground,  rises  up  in  bub- 
bles, and  a membraneous  or  skinny-like  substance  is 
seen  on  it ; the  hair  all  over  the  body  assumes  a staring 
appearance,  feverish  symptoms  ensue,  the  eyes  become 
dull  and  heavy,  the  pulse  quick,  inflammation  succeeds, 
and  the  disease  terminates  in  death. 

Curt, — Timely  bleeding,  purging  drenches,  and  clys- 


108 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


ters.  The  animal  affected  must  be  put  under  shelter, 
and  fed  on  dry  meat,  such  as  good  hay,  ground  oats, 
crushed  barley,  or  beans,  given  a little  at  a time,  and 
often.  If  little  appetite  exist,  give  stiff  gruel  through 
a horn,  once  or  twice  a day. 

As  soon  as  the  disease  is  observed,  give  the  following 
opening  drench : 

RECIPE  No.  33. 

Epsom  salts,  one  pound  ; 

Ginger,  in  powder,  half  an  ounce ; 

Aniseeds,  ditto  half  an  ounce; 

Solid  opium,  cut  small,  one  dram  ; 

Pour  three  pints  of  boiling  water  upon  these  ingredients,  and  when 
cooled  to  new-milk  warmth,  give  it  to  the  animal. 


If  this  does  not  speedily  allay  the  symptoms,  give  the 
drench  No.  30 ; and  if  the  eyes  be  inflamed,  the  twitch- 
ings  of  the  belly  painful,  and  the  expulsion  of  the 
excrements  accompanied  with  severe  gripings,  take 
away  three  or  four  quarts  of  blood  from  the  beast,  and 
give  a pint  of  salad  oil. 

When  the  physic  has  operated,  the  following  astrin- 
gent drink  may  be  given  with  advantage,  and  repeated 
every  other  day,  for  three  or  four  days,  if  necessary : — 


RECIPE  No.  34. 


Prepared  chalk, 

Bole  armenic,  in  powder. 
Aniseeds,  powdered. 
Ginger,  ditto 

S,olid  opium,  cut  small. 


four  ounces ; 
two  ounces ; 
one  ounce ; 
one  ounce; 
one  dram. 


Mix  for  one  drink,  in  a quart  of  warm  ale  or  gruel. 


In  the  worst  stage  of  the  disease,  the  surface  of  the 
body  should  be  kept  warm  with  a rag  or  woollen  cloth. 

Staggers^  Vertigo^  Lethargy^  Swimming  of  the 
Head^  or  Paralysis  of  the  Stomach. 


This  disorder  has  many  names,  but  the  symptoms 


• COMPLETE  GUIDE* 


109 


are  unequivocal,  and  too  evident  to  be  mistaken.  It 
is  the  highest  degree  of  disease  in  the  digestive  system, 
in  which  the  muscular  power  of  the  stomachs  have 
been  so  exhausted,  that  they  are  incapable  of  contract- 
ing upon  the  food  taken  in  by  the  animal ; for  although 
from  habit  the  beast  may  continue  to  feed,  the  appetite 
is  so  depraved,  that  it  no  longer  chooses  its  food,  but 
eats,  with  apparent  equal  relish,  or  rather,  indifference, 
from  hedges  and  ditches,  the  coarsest  and  most  indiges- 
tive food.  It  mostly  attacks  those  animals  who  have 
been  poorly  fed  in  the  winter,  and  are  in  the  spring 
turned  into  a fertile  pasture. 

Cause. — The  exhausted  state  of  the  digestive  faculty 
is  the  remote  cause,  while  the  vital  power  that  remains, 
or  the  temptation  of  a change  of  food,  inducing  a con- 
tinuance of  appetite,  by  which  the  animal  loads  its 
stomach  with  improper  food,  is  the  exciting  cause.  The 
immediate  seat  of  the  complaint  is  in  the  brain, — a 
superabundancy  of  blood  being  determined  to  that  or-* 
gan,  which,  if  not  speedily  checked,  terminates  in  in- 
flammation of  the  brain,  phrensy,  or  sough. 

Symptoms. — Heaviness  of  the  head,  and  constant  dis- 
position to  sleepiness,  the  animal  sometimes  resting  its 
head  upon  or  against  a gate  or  hedge,  and  appearing 
almost  insensible ; and  if  it  attempts  to  walk,  it  reels 
or  staggers. 

Cure. — The  first  thing  necessary  is  to  give  the  fol- 
lowing drench,  (No.  35):  a clyster  of  salt  and  w’^ater, 
(No.  36,)  must  then  be  thrown  up,  and  three  or  four 
quarts  of  blood  taken  away. 


RECIPE  No.  35. 


Barbadoes  aloes, 
Common  salt, 

Flour  of  mustard, 
Brandy,  rum,  or  gin, 
K 


six  drams ; 
eight  ounces ; 
one  ounce  ; 
a wine-glassful. 


110 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


Mix  the  first  three  ingredients  in  a quart  of  water,  slightly  warjn- 
ed,  add  the  spirits,  and  give  it  immediately. 

The  following  clyster  will  also  be  necessary  for  ex- 
pelling any  hardened  excrement  which  may  be  lodged 
in  the  bowels. 


RECIPE  No.  36. 

Common  salt,  eight  ounces ; * 

Warm  water,  four  quarts. 

If  the  purgative  drench  does  not  act  in  the  course  of 
twenty  hours,  give  about  half  the  same  quantity  every 
eight  hours,  until  the  ejSTect  be  produced : and  if  the 
complaint  does  not  subside  under  the  united  treatment 
of  purgatives,  clyster,  and  bleeding,  each  repeated  at 
intervals,  let  the  following  be  given  to  act  upon  the  kid- 
neys, and  thereby  divert  the  blood  from  the  head : 


RECIPE  No,  37. 


Powdered  rosin. 
Powdered  nitre. 
Cream  of  tartar, 

. Powdered  ginger, 
Powdered  aniseeds. 
Treacle, 

Mix,  and  give  it  in  a quart  of  ale, 
an  interval  of  two  days. 


two  ounces ; 
one  ounce  ; 
one  ounce  ; 
one  ounce ; 
one  ounce  ; 
four  ounces. 

and  repeat  it,  if  necessary,  after 


Loss  of  the  Cud. 


Rumination,  or  the  chewing  of  the  cud,  is,  as  we 
have  before  stated,  that  motion  of  the  rumen,  or  first 
stomach,  by  which  the  food  is  forced  back  into  the 
moulh  to  be  perfectly  masticated.  This  motion  is  not 
sudden  or  violent,  like  that  of  vomiting ; but  gradual 
and  gentle,  when  the  animal  is  healthy.  When,  there- 
fore an  animal  ceases  to  perform  this  essential  act  of 
digestion,  it  is  an  evident  proof  that  the  stomach  is  out 
of  order ; it  may  depend  on  the  state  of  the  first  sto- 
mach, or  it  may  proceed  from  the  third.  It  will  re- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


Ill 


quire  little  argument  to  prove,  that  neither  of  these 
stomachs  can  remain  disordered,  and  the  others  be  free 
from  disease ; and  it  requires  as  little  to  shew  that  ear- 
ly attention  to  symptoms  of  indigestion  are  equally  as 
essential  as  the  evil  is  at  first  easy  to  remove. 

Cause, — An  accumulation  of  dry  fibrous  matter  in 
the  third  stomach,  or  an  adhesion  between  the  first 
stomach  and  the  side,  originating  in  the  animal  having 
been  stabbed  on  that  side,  to  let  out  the  confined  air, 
when  blasted,  or  hoven : either  will  cause  imperfection 
in  the  digestive  process;  and  which,  if  neglected,  will 
bring  on  fever  and  even  inflammation. 

Cure, — The  drench  prescribed  for  diarrhoea,  (No.  31,) 
should  be  administered.  If  there  be  quickness  of  breath, 
hot  horns,  and  other  symptoms  of  fever,  or  inflamma- 
tion, the  animal  should  be  bled  freely,  and  the  follow- 
ing drench  administered ; — 

RECIPE  No.  38. 

Epsom  salts,  ten  ounces; 

"VVhey,  one  quart. 

Afterwards,  if  the  weather  be  favourable,  turn  the 
animal  into  a field  with  a short  bite  of  grass  : but  if  it 
be  wet,  keep  it  under  shelter. 

Moor  lll^  and  Wood  lU^  or  Evil. 

These,  or  rather  this,  disorder,  for  it  is  merely  two 
names  for  the  same  disease,  viz.  weakness  of  the  diges- 
tive system,  is  mostly  prevalent  among  those  cattle 
that  are  left  to  pick  up  a scanty  subsistence  on  moors 
and  common ; with  now  and  then  a small  allowance  of 
indifferent  hay;  and  is  the  inevitable  consequence  of 
poor  and  insufficient  keep. 

Cause, — Wood-evil  proceeds  from  debility,  brought 


112 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


on  by  taking  cold  when  exposed  in  bleak  and  barren 
situations;  and  the  moor  ill  is  occasioned  by  a want  of 
sweet  fresh  water. 


Symptoms. — Much  the  same  in  both ; debility,  and 
costiveness,  succeeded  by  pain  and  stiffness  in  the 
joints. 

Cwre.— Remove  the  cattle  to  a better  situation,  where 
the  grass  is  good  and  sweet,  and  where  good  and  whole- 
some water  can  be  obtained  : give  the  following  drink, 
and  it  is  most  likely  nothing  more  will  be  necessary. 


RECIPE  No.  39. 


Grains  of  paradise,  powdered, 
Aniseeds,  ditto 

Carraway  seeds,  ditto 

Fenugreek,  ditto 


two  ounces ; 
two  ounces  ; 
two  ounces  ; 
two  ounces. 


Mix  in  about  two  pints  of  warm  water,  and  give  it  at  once  with 
about  tw^o  spoonsful  of  treacle,  or  coarse  sugar. 


Or, 


RECIPE  No.  40. 


Infusion  of  wormwood  in  ale,*  one  quart; 

Long  pepper,  pounded,  six  drams  ; 

Grains  of  paradise,  six  drams. 


Or,  if  very  costive,  you  may  give  the  drink  prescrib- 
ed for  Red-water,  Recipe  No.  31,  or  47.  And  a few 
drenches  with  ginger  given  afterwards  will  serve  to 
complete  the  cure,  and  re-establish  a perfect  digestion. 


Clue-Bound^  or  Fardel-Bound^  and  Pantas. 

These  are  all  different  names  for  one  and  the  same 

* Infusion  of  wormwood  in  ale  is  made  by  putting  two  handsful 
of  wormwood  in  a clean  stone  pitcher,  and  pouring  one  quart  of 
ale  boiling  hot  upon  it,  then  cover  it  close  with  a plate,  and  a cloth 
over  that,  till  nearly  cold,  when  it  is  fit  for  use. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


113 


complaint ; and  its  origin  may  generally  be  traced  to 
a similar  source  as  the  preceding. 


Cause, — The  same  as  wood-evil. 


Symptoms, — The  animal  is  said  to  be  clue  or  fardel 
bound,  where,  in  addition  to  the  symptoms  of  wood-evil, 
it  is  disposed  to  costiveness ; and  when,  as  is  often  the 
case  in  the  first  stage  of  fevers,  the  thin  excrements 
force  their  tvay  through  the  middle,  or  on  one  side  of 
th«  more  hardened  part.  When  this  is  observed,  spee- 
dy relief  m\ist  be  afforded  to  the  animal,  or  its  life  will 
be  in  danger. 

Cure. — The  animal  must  be  removed  into  a better 
situation,  the  same  as  recommended  in  the  cure  of 
wood-evil ; and  the  draught  No.  29,  should  be  given, 
and  repeated,  if  necessary. 

The  following  restorative  drink  will  be  found  very 
serviceable  in  this,  as  well  as  in  many  other  disorders, 
after  the  purgative  drinks  have  sufficiently  operated, 
and  the  animal  become  reduced  by  diseases  and  medi- 
cine. 


RECIPE  No.  41. 


Gentian, 

Nitre, 

Salt  of  steel. 
Aniseeds, 
Carraway-seeds, 
Ginger, 

Treacle, 


one  ounce ; 

half  an  ounce ; 

half  an  ounce ; 

one  ounce  ; 

one  ounce ; 

one  ounce  ; 

four  table-spoonsful. 


Powder  each  of  "the  above,  mix  for  one  drink,  and 
give  it  in  a quart  of  warm  gruel. 

Flatulent  Cholic,  or  Gripes. 

This,  though  not  a common  complaint,  is  one  that 


114 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


gives  the  animal  much  pain,  but  is  easily  relieved  by 
prompt  assistance. 

Cause. — Eating  unbruised  corn  of  any  kind,  particu- 
larly oats,  or  the  dry,  fibrous  kind  of  bad  hay:  particu» 
larly  if  at  the  time  the  digestive  organs  be  in  a weak 
state. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  seems  in  great  pain,  often 
lying  down,  and  getting  up  again  ; she  turns*roundher 
head  to  her  hind  parts,  and  endeavours  to  strike  her  bel- 
ly with  her  horns,  or  hind  leg  : her  appetite  fails,  and 
is  indeed  lost,  being  in  too  much  pain  to  be  able  to  eat 
any  thing. 

Cure. — Give  the  opening  drench,  recipe  No.  31  ; a 
moderate  quantity  of  whey  may  be  given ; and,  if  ne- 
cessary, a clyster  of  half  a pound  of  salt  diluted  in  four 
quarts  of  water. 

Stoppage  of  Water^  retention  of  Urine^  or  Stran- 
guary, 

Is  the  consequence,  generally,  of  the  stomach  and 
bowels  being  loaded,  and  thereby  blown  up  with  air ; 
and  is  attended  with  intense  pain  to  the  animal. 

Cause. — In  neat  cattle,  it  proceeds  from  the  first 
stomach,  or  rumen,  being  blown  up,  or  blasted  ; in 
which  case,  the  urine  is  stopped  by  the  bladder  being 
pressed  downward,  so  that  its  neck  rests  upon  the  bones 
which  form  the  brim  of  the  pelvis,  and  is  thereby  com- 
pletely closed.  Pregnant  cows,  during  the  latter  period 
of  gestation,  are  subject  to  stoppage  of  urine,  when  tied 
up,  and  fed  wholly  on  hay  ; and  especially  when  fed 
too  liberally  on  grains. 

Symptoms. — Being  a part  of  the  complaint  termed 
haven  or  blown^  see  those  diseases. — We  may  add,  that 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


115 


the  animal  labouring  under  this  additional  disorder, 
often  strides  as  if  endeavouring  to  void  it^  urine,  but 
without  more  effect  than  a few  drops,  and  those  not 
without  considerable  pain. 

Cure. — The  recipe  No.  1,  being  a powerful  opening 
drench,  may  be  administered  with  good  effect ; if  that 
cannot  be  conveniently  had,  the  following  will  be  an 
excellent  substitute: 


RECIPE  No.  42. 


Common  salt, 
Flour  of  mustard, 
Water, 

Gin, 


SIX  ounces  ; 
a table-spoonful ; 
one  quart ; 
a quarter  of  a pint : 


A little  grated  ginger  may  be  added,  and,  instead  of  the  gin,  strong 
beer  may  be  substituted,  when  it  is  more  readily  obtained. 

A clyster,  similar  to  that  described  in  flatulent  cholic, 
is  indispensible.  There  is  no  difficulty,  with  a cow,  in 
passing  the  fore  finger  into  the  bladder,  and  letting  the 
urine  flow  off. 


^trophy^  or  Consumption. 


This  is  an  incurable  disorder,  unless  taken  early,  and 
the  animal  kept  in  a good  sheltered  pasture.  Some 
stock  are  tender,  and  of  weakly  constitutions  from  their 
birth ; and,  therefore,  if  placed  in  more  exposed,  and 
much  colder  situations  than  they  were  bred  in,  will  be 
more  liable  to  consumption,  having  less  vital  energy. 

Cause. — The  pre-disposing  cause  of  atrophy  is  bad 
keep,  but  especially  bad  hay  or  straw.  The  chyle 
formed  from  such  food  becomes  acrimonious,  and  in- 
flames and  obstructs  the  mesenteric  glands,  and  pro- 
duces a dreadful  disease,  even  of  the  great  mesenteric 
artery,  which  will  always  be  found  full  of  worms.  Its 
exciting  cause  is,  generally  a neglected  cold. 


116 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


Symptoms, — This  disease  is  first  discovered  by  the 
animal  haf  iag  a hoose,  or  cough,  and  poking  out  of  the 
neck : if  it  be  now  examined  between  the*  jaws,  the 
glands  there  are  swollen,  which,  pressing  upon  the  heat! 
of  the  wind-pipe,  cause  the  beast  to  poke  out  its  neck 
for  breath.  .If  the  disease  be  not  checked,  or  if  it  does 
not  yield  to  medicine,  the  lungs  become  affected,  pro- 
ducing a wheezing  and  difficulty  of  breathing  on  the 
least  exertion.  When  the  lungs  are  once  attacked,  no 
remedy  can  be  applied ; the  knife  of  the  butcher,  is, 
therefore,  the  only  resource. 

Cure, — As  soon  as  this  disease  is  noticed,  the  animal 
must  be  taken  from  the  field,  particularly  at  night,  and 
kept  in  a sheltered  place ; it  should  then  be  bled  gent- 
ly, and  have  administered  the  purging  drink,  recipe  No. 
28. — If  not  successful  in  this  treatment,  set  a seton  in 
the  dewlap,  and  keep  its  bowels  gently  open,  and  give 
it  but  little  solid  food,  and  that  of  the  best,  and  easiest 
digested. — The  following  drink  may  assist  in  the  cure : 

RECIPE  No.  42. 

Nitre,  two  ounces ; 

Salt  of  steel,  one  ounce; 

Glauber  salts,  four  ounces  ; 

Ginger  and  aniseeds,  powdered,  each  one  ounce  ; 

Treacle,  four  ounces  : 

Mix  these  for  one  drink,  put  it  into  a pitcher,  and  pour  a quart  of 
boiling-water  on  it ; give  it  milk  warm.  It  may  be  repeated 
every  third  day. 

DISEASES  WHICH  ARISE  FROM 

oirsn-PEEDma, 

In  the  diseases  of  which  we  have  treated,  there  gen- 
erally existed  a pre-disposing  cause  in  the  constitution 
of  the  animal;  and  which,  in  a greater  or  less  degree,' 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


117 


tended  to  induce  indisposition;  a very  slight  cause, 
would,  in  such  cases,  be  sufficient  to  excite  or  produce 
the  most  serious  consequences. — In  those  which  we  are 
about  to  describe,  the  pre-disposing  cause  is  not  always 
so  apparent;  on  the  contrary,  they  generally  have 
their  origin,  developement,  and  termination  in  sudden 
causes,  as  too  freely  indulging  in  rich  nutritous  food,  or 
o^er  eating  after  a previous  comparative  abstinence. 

Neat  cattle  are  most  subject  to  these  complaints  in 
spring  and  autumn ; the  fresh  springing  grassesf  and 
especially  clover,  tempt  them  to  feed  more  greedily 
than  usual ; and  their  digestive  faculties,  enfeebled  by 
winter  feed,  or  other  cause,  are  incapable  of  the  extra 
exertion  required  of  them.  In  such  cases,  the  system 
becomes  oppressed,  and  its  action  paralized : the  effects 
are  not  always  the  same,  but  vary  according  to  the 
nature  of  the  disorder. — Of  these  the  most  common  is, 

Hoven^  Blovon^  or  Blasted. 

In  our  description  of  the  digestive  system  of  neat 
cattle,  we  stated,  (in  page  155),  that  there  was  in  that 
part  of  the  rumen  which  joined  the  second  stomach,  a 
land  of  valve,  which,  during  the  mastication  of  the  food, 
prevents  the  escape  of  air.  In  this  complaint,  the  ani- 
mal’s stomach  being  filled  by  an  unusual  quantity  of 
food,  becomes  distended  beyond  its  capacity ; the  food 
then  ferments,  air  is  evolved,  the  whole  body  becomes 
swollen,  rumination  is  completely  put  a stop  to,  and  a 
considerable  pain  is  produced. 

Symptoms. — The  beast  swells,  and  a difficulty  of 
breathing  is  produced,  with  much  apparent  uneasiness : 
if  relief  be  not  quickly  afforded,  the  symptoms  increase, 
the  animal  becomes  unable  to  stand,  and  generally  dies 
from  suffocation. 

Remedy. — The  best  cure  is  the  probang^  a flexible 


118 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


instrument  made  for  this  purpose,  and  sold  by  most  sad- 
dlers and  farriers.  This  being  passed  into  the  stomach, 
the  confined  air  rushes  out,  and  the  animal  is,  for  the 
time,  relieved.  When  this  useful  instrument  is  not  at 
hand,  a very  good  substitute  may  be  made  with  three 
small  canes,  each  about  six  feet  long.  Bind  them  to- 
gether with  a waxed  packthread,  firmly  securing,  at 
one  end,  a ball  of  wood,  about  a pigeon’s  egg  in  size. 
To  introduce  this  into  the  stomach,  the  bullock’s  nose 
shouM  be  held  out  as  nearly  in  a straight  line  as  possi- 
ble with  the  throat ; let  an  assistant  hold  it  firmly  in 
this  posture,  and  at  the  same  time  let  him  grasp  the 
partition  of  the  nostrils  with  the  fingers  and  thumb  of 
his  right  hand ; the  operator  can  then  easily  force  the 
ball  into  the  stomach,  and  let  out  the  confined  air. 

Some  farriers  afford  relief  by  plunging  a sharp  knife 
into  the  distended  rumen,  on  the  left  side,  between  the 
last  rib  and  the  hip  bone.  As  soon  as  the  knife  is  with- 
drawn, the  air  rushes  out,  and  relief  is  afforded : the 
wound  is  then  closed  by  a plaster  of  Burgundy  pitch. — 
This  is  a bad  practice  : a second  attack  becomes  more 
difficult  of  cure,  as  the  wound  adheres  to  the  side  : and 
every  repetition  increases  the  danger. 

Either  of  the  draughts.  No.  28,  or  No.  29,  may  be 
given  with  good  effect : or  the  cordial  drink  No.  39, 
may  be  administered  : the  beast  should  then  be  turned 
into  a bare  pasture,  where  it  must  work  well  for  a bel- 
ly-full, and  the  cure  will  be  complete.  The  following 

RECIPE  No.  43. 

Mild  ale,  one  pint ; 

Ginger,  powdered,  a desert  tea-spoonful : 

Is  an  excellent  cordial  drink  to  renovate  the  digestive  faculties. 

Choking. 

Neat  cattle  are  very  subject  to  being  blasted  or  ho- 
ven,  from  eating  too  greedily  of  artificial  grasses,  or 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


119 


succulent  roots, — in  the  latter  case,  also,  they  are  very 
liable  to  have  a piece  of  turnip  or  potatoe  stick  in  the 
throat.  When  this  happens,  which  may  easily  be 
known  by  the  animal’s  efforts  to  swallow  the  obstruct- 
ing piece,  it  should  be  forced  into  the  stomach  ; — this 
may  be  done  by  a moderate  sized  rope,  about  seven 
feet  long ; by  which  means  also  any  air  confined  in  the 
rumen,  will  escape. 

The  principal  cause  of  this,  which  is  rather  an  accir 
dent,  than  a disease,  is  a disposition  in  the  animal  to 
eat  greedily  and  voraciously,  where  tempting  food  of- 
fers. The  cure  may  be  completed  by  giving  the  re- 
cipe No.  43,  and  a bare  pasture  for  a while,  to  reno- 
vate both  its  appetite  and  digestive  faculties. 

Fog  Sickness. 

At  the  latter  end  of  summer,  and  in  autumn,  when 
the  rainy  season  sets  in,  the  grass  generally  becomes 
abundant ; and,  shortly  after,  the  mornings  are  frosty. 
At  this  season,  the  digestive  faculties,  as  well  as  the 
whole  system,  are  weakened  from  the  eflTects  of  the 
summer  heat,  the  appetite  becomes  morbid  and  irre- 
gular, and  some  cattle  will  then  eat  voraciously. 
They  then  lie  down  to  ruminate,  probably  when  the 
grass  is  covered  with  hoar-frost;  and  this,  together 
with  the  cold  and  damp  of  the  atmosphere,  so  depress 
the  strength  of  the  stomachs,  as  to  put  a stop  to  the 
digestive  process.  The  body  then  swells,  the  animal  is 
evidently  in  great  pain,  appears  stupid,  and  breathes 
with  difficulty. — Such  are  the  cause  and  symptoms, 
which  so  far  differ  from  hoven. 

Cure. — The  thing  to  be  done,  is  to  bleed  freely,  the 
habit  being  at  this  season  generally  redundant.  The 
probang,  as  used  for  hoven,  or  blown  cattle,  should  be 
then  employed,  and  either  of  the  drenches  No.  28,  or 
29,  may  be  given : when  this  is  operated,  the  cordial 
drink  No.  39,  should  be  administered,  and  the  cure  may 


120 


FARMER'S  AND  GRAZIEr’s 


be  considered  as  effected. — Or  the  following  drench 
may  be  substituted  in  this  case,  if  more  handy  than 
either  of  the  others  : — 

RECIPE  No.  44. 

Common  salt,  ten  ounces  ; 

•^Flour  of  mustard,  two  table-spoonsful ; 

Water,  one  quart ; 

Gin,  one  quartern ; 

Mix,  and  give  as  one  draught. 

A clyster  of  salt  and  water  will  also  be  of  great 
service;  and  when  the  animal  is  a little  relieved,  it 
should  be  turned  into  a bare  pasture ; above  all,  do  not 
suffer  cattle  to  lie  abroad  at  this  season,  but  shelter 
them  for  the  night  either  in  a shed  or  out-house. 

Meadow  Sickness. 

Mr.  Bromege,  of  Lower  Stone,  Gloucestershire,  put 
several  cows  into  a piece  of  rich  aftermath.  Shortly 
after,  when  he  went  to  see  them,  he  found  six  of  them 
ill,  and  appearing  as  if  they  wanted  to  vomit.  He  im- 
mediately drove  them  all  from  the  meadow  into  a bare 
pasture,  in  which  were  a number  of  mole  casts.  The 
sick  cow^s,  led  by  instinct,  went  immediately  to  the 
mole  heaps,  and  eat  of  the  earth  very  greedily. — Mr. 
B.  did  not  interrupt  them,  but  awaited  the  effect ; and, 
in  short  time,  had  the  pleasure  to  see  them  all  recover. 
— He  observed  also,  that  the  other  cows  did  not  at- 
tempt to  touch  the  mole  heaps. 

This  circumstance  being  communicated  to  Mr. 
White,  that  gentleman  was  led  to  an  enquiry,  the  re- 
sult of  which  proved  that  when  animals  gorge  them- 
selves, an  acid  forms,  which  passing  into  the  fourth 
stomach,  causes  considerable  irritation  and  pain.  This 
acidity  is  corrected  by  chalk,  or  carbonate  of  lime. 

A tea  spoonful  of  ginger  in  powder,  may  be  substituted, 
when  flour-of-mustard  is  not  readily  attainable. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


121 


Under  these  convictions,  Mr.  White  was  induced  in 
cases  of  this  kind,  as  well  as  when  cattle  were  hoven^ 
to  prescribe  either  of  the  following  draughts  : — 

RECIPE  No.  45. 

Common  salt,  four  ounces  ; 

Carbonate  of  soda,  one  ounce  ; 

Powdered  aloes,  half  an  ounce  ; 

ginger,  two  drams  ; 

Water,  one  quart ; 

Anodyne  carminative  tincture,  two  or  three  ounces. 

' Mix  for  one  draught. 


Or, 

RECIPE  No.  46. 

Common  salt  six  ounces  ; 

Carbonate  of  soda,  one  ounce  and  a half ; 

Flour  of  mustard,  one  ounce  and  a half  ; 

Ale,  one  pint ; 

Water,  one  pint . 

Mix  for  one  draught. 

Precautions^  by  observing  tvhich  most  of  the  diseases 
resulting  from  overfeeding  may  be  prevented. 

When  cattle  are  first  put  into  clover,  vetches,  rich 
aftermath,  or  into  any  pasture  much  better  than  that 
from  which  they  have  been  taken,  let  them  remain  not 
more  than  an  hour  at  a time,  particularly  if  clover,  and 
then  drive  them  into  a bare  pasture ; by  which  means 
they  may  be  gradually  inured  to  the  change,  and  the 
evil  consequences  will  be  averted. 

Generally  speaking,  a bare  pasture  is  the  only  re- 
medy required  to  renovate  the  digestive  system,  when 
impaired  by  previous  excess. — And  to  keep  it  good,  let 
them  feed  well,  and  often,  and  but  a little  at  a time. 
And,  whenever  the  brain  is  oppressed  by  repletion  of 
blood,  which  is  indicated  by  heaviness  or  evincing  a dis- 
position to  sleep,  bleed  freely,  or  more  sparingly,  ac- 
cording to  the  emergency. 

L 


122 


tarmer’s  and  grazier’s 


DISEASES 

WHICH  PROCEED  FROM 

REPLETION  OF  BLOOD. 

This  class  of  diseases  comprehends  the  inflamma- 
tory, and  other  similar  attacks,  which  are  consequent 
upon  the  whole  habit  being  oppressed  by  a superabun- 
dance of  blood.  Bleeding,  and  that  promptly  and  free- 
ly, even  to  faintness,  is  the  general  and  only  cure  ; other 
remedies  may  be  useful,  and  even  essential  to  renovate 
the  system ; but  it  is  upon  copious  bleeding  that  the 
life  of  the  animal  generally  depends. 

Red  and  Black  Water. 

These  two  complaints  are  but  different  stages  of  the 
same  disease ; the  one  proceeding  from  indigestion,  and 
the  other  resulting  from  a neglect  of  removing  the  early 
symptoms,  and  terminating  in  inflammation  of  the  kid- 
neys. 

The  prt-disposing  cause  may  be  laid  to  the  account 
of  the  bad  hay  or  other  indifferent  food,  upon  which 
the  animal  has  been  kept,  perhaps  during  the  winter, 
and  which  contained  more  fibre  than  nourishment. 
These  fibrous  particles  accumulate  in  the  third  sto- 
mach, and  thereby  depress  and  weaken  the  digestive 
system : sometimes  they  form  into  cakes  of  matted 
fibre,  and  altogether  prevent  the  action  of  the  third 
stomach. — While  in  this  state,  the  animal  feeds  greedi- 
ly, particularly  on  grass  lands,  and  drinks  as  freely; 
hence  it  is  that  blood  is  quickly  formed  ; and  the  action 
of  the  stomach  being  impeded,  the  kidneys  are  oppres- 
sed by  an  unusual  suffusion  of  blood ; the  consequence 
is,  that  blood  passes  off  with  the  urine,  sometimes  so 
copiously,  that  the  animal  bleeds  to  death.  In  a cow, 
the  milk  is  soon  reduced  in  quantity,  and,  as  the  disor- 
der advances,  become  discoloured ; the  beast  is  also 
frequently  so  weak,  as  to  be  unable  to  rise  when  down. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


123 


Symptoms. — The  symptoms  have  been  very  general- 
ly described  in  the  above  statement ; in  addition,  we 
may  observe,  that  the  excrement  is  sometimes  dis- 
charged with  considerable  force,  but  in  a small  stream, 
watery,  and  mixed  with  hard  knobs,  forced  from  the 
matter  accumulated  in  the  third  stomach : sometimes, 
these  stop  up  the  passage  of  the  fundament ; and  then 
the  finger  must  be  introduced  to  remove  the  clots,  or 
a clyster  thrown  up. 

Cure. — A saline  laxative  medicine  is  most  proper  in 
this  disease,  to  open  the  bowels;  recipe  31,  (page  106,) 
or  either  of  the  following,  will  answer  the  purpose : 

RECIPE  No.  47. 

Barbadoes  aloes,  six  drams ; 

Glauber’s  salts,  six  ounces  ; 

Calomel,  one  ounce  and  a half ; 

Carraways,  powdered,  one  ounce  ; 

Water,  one  pint : 

Mix,  and  give  it  milk  warm. 

Or, 

RECIPE  No  48. 

Epsom  salts,  six  to  eight  ounces  ; 

Water,  one  pint; 

Castor  or  olive  oil,  six  to  eight  ounces  ; 

Ten  ounces  of  common  salt  may  be  substituted  for  eight  of  Epsom, 

when  more  handy. 

Where  the  medicine  given  does  not  operate  freely, 
assist  it  by  drenching  the  animal  with  whey.  Take 
two  quarts  of  blood,  or  more,  according  to  the  state  of 
the  animal’s  habit. 

When  you  succeed  in  removing  the  hardened  excre- 
ment from  the  third  stomach,  and  in  putting  a stop  to 
the  discharge  of  blood  with  the  urine,  attention  should 
be  paid  to  the  animal’s  diet,  as  the  digestive  system  is 
in  a very  weakened  state.  Nothing  is  better  adapted 
for  this  purpose  than  a field  where  the  grass  is  short 


124 


FARMER  S AND  GRAZIER  S 


and  sweet,  and  where  it  must  exercise  itself  to  obtain 
a proper  quantity  of  food. 

The  disease  being  of  an  inflammatory  nature,  bleed- 
ing is  indispensable ; take  about  two  quarts  of  blood, 
and  if  necessary  repeat  it  the  next  day.  Mr.  White 
pursued  this  practice  successfully,  and  never  lost  one 
through  red  water  afterwards.  If  it  be  accompanied 
with  looseness,  or  symptoms  of  pain,  as  a straining  or 
bolding  out  of  the  tail,  give  in  preference  the  recipe  No. 
31,  and  afterwards  administer  the  cordial  drink,  recipe 
No.  39. 

The  following  ball,  being  of  a more  astringent  na- 
ture, may  be  administered  with  good  effect,  after  the 
costiveness  has  been  subdued. 


RECIPE  No.  49. 


Venice  turpentine, 
Nitre,  in  powder, 
Bay-berries,  do. 


four  ounces ; 
two  ounces ; 
two  ounces ; 
two  ounces; 
four  ounces ; 


Armenian  bole,  do, 
Alum,  do. 


Make  into  one  ball.  Then  slice  the  ball  into  a pitcher,  and  pour 
over  it  a quart  of  hot  gruel ; when  new-milk  warm,  give  it. 

This  ball  may  be  repeated  every  other  night. 

Red  water  is  often  brought  on.  by  drinking  turf  or 
peat  pit  water. 

Downfaly  Udder  III.,  Sore  Udders.,  Inflammation  of 
the  Udder., 

From  what  we  have  said  of  the  digestive  process  of 
(be  cow,  and  the  intimate  connection  between  the 
fourth  stomach  and  the  udder,  the  reader  will  be  at  no 
loss  to  understand  that  when  that  is  out  of  order,  the 
udder,  and  consequently  the  quality  and  quantity  of  the 
milk,  must  be  materially  affected. — ^These,  or  rather 
this  complaint,  for  they  are  all  one,  or  different  stages 
of  the  same  disease,  of  which  the  pre-disposing  cause 
was  bad  feeding,  and  the  exciting  cause,  a cold,  or  in- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


125 


flammation  of  the  udder,  is  essential  to  be  taken  in 
time,  and  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  owners  of 
young  cattle,  who  are  very  liable  to  its  attack,  espe- 
cially at  the  time  of  calving. 

Cause. — This  disease  may  not  only  proceed  from  the 
above  causes,  but  may  also  be  induced -by  the  animal 
drinking  freely  of  cold  water,  when  heated  by  exercise ; 
— or  by  exposure  and  1}  ing  down  in  cold  and  damp 
grass  at  the  latter  end  of  the  year,  when  the  nights  are 
cold  and  foggy,  and  at  a time  when  the  stomach  is  load- 
ed with  food,  and  the  blood  plentiful.  It  will  be  seen 
therefore  that  this  disease  is  often  an  accompaniment 
of  fog  or  meadow  sickness,  as  well  as  of  other  com- 
plaints originating  in  colds  or  similar  causes. 

Symptoms. — One  or  more  quarters  of  the  udder  be- 
comes swollen,  hardened,  hotter  than  common,  and 
painful  when  pressed  ; the  milk  is  reduced  in  quantity, 
and  changed  to  a ragged,  bloody,  or  corrupt  appear- 
ance. At  other  times,  the  secretion  of  milk  is  stopped, 
and  the  tumefied  quarter  proceeds  to  a state  of  suppu- 
ration. It  not  unfrequently  happens,  that  the  hinder 
extremities,  at  the  same  time,  become  swollen  and  in- 
flamed, especially  about  the  hip-joint,  hock,  and  fetlopk  ; 
which  often  disables  the  animal  from  rising  when  down. 
Sometimes  the  symptoms  of  this  disease  assume  a dif- 
ferent appearance,  and  the  udder  is  scarcely  or  not  at 
all  affected;  but  the  disease  appears  confined  to  the 
joints ; which  is  known  by  their  being  swollen  and  in- 
flamed, and  attacking  such  cows  as  are  liable  to  the 
downfal  in  the  udder. 

Cure. — As  soon  as  the  disease  is  discovered,  remove 
the  animal  from  the  pasture-,  and  take  from  her  from 
three  to  five  quarts  of  blood ; especially  if  the  cow  be 
in  good  condition,  and  breathes  quickly,  and  appears 
stupid : do  this  at  night,  and,  the  next  morning,  give 
her  the  drink  recipe  No.  31,  or  28,  or  29.  If  the  weather 
L 2 


126 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


be  damp  and  cold,  keep  her  under  shelter,  and  feed  her 
moderately  with  nourishing  food ; but  if  the  weather 
be  fine,  turn  her  into  a bare  pasture,  where  she  will  be 
obliged  to  exert  herself  for  her  food.  The  swollen  ud- 
der, or  rather  that  part  of  it  which  is  affected  (for  there 
is  seldom  more  than  one  part  or  quarter  affected  at  a 
time)  should  have  the  bad  milk  drawn  from  it  three  or 
four  times  a day  ; for  if  suffered  to  remain  in  it,  it  will 
irritate  and  increase  the  inflammation.  Bathe  it  also 
after  milking  with  olive  oil,  or  elder  ointment ; and  if 
the  swelling  continue,  and  be  not  very  tender,  the  fol- 
lowing embrocation  will  be  of  great  service  : 

RECIPE  No.  50. 

Olive  oil,  three  ounces  ; 

Oil  of  turpentine,  one  ounce  ; 

Camphor,  two  drams  : mix. 

Or, 

RECIPE  No.  51. 

Soft  soap,  four  ounces  ; 

Spring  water,  one  pint ; 

Rectified  spirits  of  wine,  two  ounces ; 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  two  ounces ; 

Dissolve  the  soft  soap  in  spring-water  boiling  hot ; and,  when  cold, 
add  the  spirits  of  wine  and  turpentine. 

Let  this  mixture  be  well  rubbed  on  the  part  affected 
night  and  morning,  after  the  milk  has  been  drawn  oflT ; 
and  if  the  udder  b^e  very  bad,  repeat  the  milking  in  the 
middle  of  the  day,  and  bathe  the  parts  affected  with 
cold  water. 

When  the  purging  drinks  have  operated,  give  the 
following  occasionally,  which  will  not  only  help  to  era- 
dicate the  disease,  but  is  excellent  as  a preventive  of 
its  recurrence : 

RECIPE  No.  52. 

Nitre,  two  ounces ; 

Cape  aloes,  powdered,  half  an  ounce  ; 


COMPLETE  GUIDIL 


127 


Salt  of  tartar,  one  ounce ; 

Yellow  resin, powdered, four  ounces; 

Juniper-berries,  ditto,  two  ounces  ; 

Ginger,  ditto.  two  ounces ; 

Treacle,  two  table-spoonsful ; 

Mix  them  all  together,  and  give  it  in  a quart  of  warm  ale’. 

Abscess  of  the  Udder. 

When  the  previous  disease,  downfal,  or  udder-ill,  has 
been  neglected,  or  improperly  treated,  and  especially 
when  the  bad  milk  has  not  been  drawn  off,  pus,  or 
matter,  forms  in  the  quarter,  which,  after  some  time, 
bursts.  In  this  case,  the  wound  sometimes  gradually 
heals ; at  others,  a fungus,  or  excrescence,  sprouts  from 
it,  which  is  often  of  considerable  size.  This  excre- 
scence, however,  if  left  to  itself,  gradually  drops  off, 
and  the  udder  then  heals.  Sometimes,  the  matter  gra- 
dually drains  off  from,  or  accumulates  in,  the  teat, 
which  will  then  require  to  be  opened  with  a lancet. 
This  should  be  done  by  a skilful  person  ; or  the  re- 
medy may  prove  worse  than  the  disease. 

Another  termination  of  this  disorder,  is  a gradual 
thickening  or  hardening  of  the  quarter,  which  ends  in 
the  total  obliteration  of  that  part  of  the  udder. 

The  mode  of  cure  has  been  pointed  out  in  the  last 
disease,  of  which,  indeed,  this  is  but  a second  or  more 
confirmed  stage.  In  some  cases,  it  may  be  found  ne- 
cessary to  amputate  the  whole  of  the  udder.  Where 
this  is  really  indispensable,  it  can  only  be  done  by  a 
person  of  experience. 

By  a preventive  regimen,  the  predisposition  to  this 
disease  may  be  eradicated  from  the  system.  Mr.  Clay- 
ton, in  his  treatise  on  cattle,  says — A farmer  had  a 
large  cow,  of  gross  habit  of  body,  that  had  been  accus- 
tomed to  have  this  complaint  several  times  in  the  course 
of  one  season ; of  course,  to  a considerable  disadvan- 
tage: he  next  summer  dried  and  fed  her  well;  but  to 
no  use,  for  she  was  not  long  at  grass,  before  the  old 
complaint  again  attacked  her.  Mr.  Clayton  was  con- 


128 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


suited,  and  he  advised  giving  her  a pound  and  a quar- 
ter of  Glauber’s  salts,  every  six  weeks  during  the  time 
of  feeding.  This  prevented  its  return ; the  cow  fat- 
tened, and  did  well. 

Blain^  or  Fever^  with  Swellings 

Called  also  by  the  name  of  hawkes,  or  gargyse,  is  a 
disease  which,  although  not  unfrequent,  in  general  is 
not  discovered  until  it  has  made  some  progress ; it  then 
appears  with  a swelling  of  some  part,  and,  in  some  few 
instances,  extends  over  the  whole  surface  of  the  body, 
accompanied  with  feverish  symptoms. 

Cause. — A redundancy  of  blood  in  the  system,  or  a 
cold  taken  by  the  beast  while  under  such  influence: 
those  cattle  are  the  most  subject  to  this  complaint  that 
are  in  high  condition,  and  fed  on  rich  pastures.  It  is 
most  prevalent  in  the  summer  months,  especially  when 
the  weather  is  hot  and  sultry,  which  oppresses  the  ani- 
mal, and  deranges  the  healthy  functions  of  the  body. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  appears  dull  and  languid; 
the  eyes,  red  and  inflamed,  with  tears  trickling  from 
them  ; swelling  in  some  part  of  the  body,  as  about  the 
nose,  lip,  and  under  the  chaps,  extending  to  the  brisket, 
or  even  under  the  belly  till  the  udder  is  afiected. 
Sometimes  the  swelling  begins  about  the  eyes,  and  ap- 
pears on  other  parts  of  the  body;  there  are  often  blis- 
ters under  the  tongue,  and  back  part  of  the  mouth  ; 
the  pulse  is  quicker  than  natural ; there  is  more  or  less 
beating  of  the  flanks,  and  the  bowels  are  sometimes 
bound.  As  the  complaint  advances,  a copious  flow  of 
saliva  proceeds  from  the  mouth  ; the  beast  gets  weak, 
and  reduced  ; a considerable  quantity  of  watery  matter 
congregates  in  the  tumefied  part ; which  must  be  dis- 
charged by  puncturing  with  a knife. 

Cure. — Bleeding  is  chiefly  to  be  depended  on  in  the 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


129 


cure  of  this  disease  : on  its  first  appearance,  three  or 
four  quarts  of  blood,  according  to  the  size  and  strength 
of  the  beast,  should  be  taken  away  and  repeated,  if 
necessary.  After  bleeding,  administer  the  following 
cooling  purging  drink : 


RECIPE  No.  53. 


Epsom  or  Glauber  salts. 
Nitre, 

Ginger,  powdered, 
Aniseed,  ditto 
Treacle, 


tweve  ounces ; 
one  ounce  ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
three  ounces. 


Pour  the  ingredients  into  a pitcher,  pour  three  pints  of  boiling  wa- 
ter upon  them,, and  give  them  new-milk  warm. 

Puerperal^  or  Milk  fever^  and  Inflammation  of 
the  Womb. 

This  is  a disease  which  most  peculiarly  attacks  cows 
in  high  condition  at  the  time  of  calving,  or  is  brought 
on  by  the  force  so  often  and  so  improperly  used  in  de- 
livery. It  is  most  likely  to  happen  when  t he  cow 
calves  during  the  hot  months  of  summer ; and  the 
cows  most  predisposed  to  it,  have  generally  large  ud- 
ders very  full  of  milk  several  days  before  calving,  w^hich 
are  often  much  inflamed  and  swelled.  It  is  a danger- 
ous disease,  when  severe,  and  often  proves  fatal. 

Cause. — The  predisposing  cause  is,  as  we  have  ob- 
served, the  too  high  condition  of  the  cow  at  the  time  of 
her  calving;  its  immediate  cause  is  generally  an  in- 
flammatory state  of  the  udder,  most  commofily  induced 
by  the  animal  taking  cold,  and  from  a redundancy  of 
blood  in  the  system.  About  the  third  day  after  calving, 
an  unusual  quantity  of  blood  is  determined  to  the  ud- 
der to  assist  in  the  formation  of  milk ; but  when  the  ud- 
der is  inflamed,  this  action  is  interrupted,  and  the  blood 
is  transferred  to  other  parts  of  the  body,  which  de- 
ranges the  whole  animal  frame,  and  produces  the  milk 
fever. 


130 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


Symptoms. — The  first  appearances  of  milk  fever  are 
generally  perceived  about  the  second  or  third  day  after 
calving : the  animal  refrains  from  her  food,  looks  dull 
and  heavy,  and  walks  as  if  she  had  caught  cold  : a cold, 
shivering-fit,  comes  on,  accompanied  with  a debility,  so 
weakening,  that  the  beast  commonly  drops,  and  is  often 
unable  to  rise,  until  relief  be  afforded.  She  becomes 
very  restless,  and  appears  to  feel  in  great  pain  in  the 
body,  as  she  often  looks  towards  her  flanks,  kicks  with 
her  feet  and  seems  much  distressed.  As  the  disease 
proceeds,  the  head  becomes  affected,  the  cow  loses  her 
senses,  and  will  knock  and  bruise  her  head  against  any 
thing,  if  care  be  not  taken  to  prevent  her.  The  pulse 
is  now  quick,  and  the  tongue  parching  dry ; the  bowels 
are  costive;  no  milk  is  secreted,  and  the  slimy  dis- 
charge ceases.  Unless  the  disease  be  subdued,  the 
body  becomes  enlarged ; and  if  this  swelling  be  not  soon 
decreased  by  medical  assistance,  all  hopes  of  recovery 
may  be  considered  at  an  end. 

Remedy. — If  the  feverish  symptoms  run  high,  and  are 
attended  with  much  pain,  bleed  copiously,  and  repeat 
it,  if  necessary  ; but  if  the  fever  be  but  slight,  the  ani- 
mal should  be  bled  but  once,  and  that  only  in  proportion 
to  her  strength.  Let  the  drink  recommended  in  page 
77,  (recipe  No.  5),  be  given  as  soon  as  possible,  and 
repeat  it  every  twenty  hours:  if  the  bowels  be  not 
readily  moved  by  the  purgative  drink,  inject  the  follow- 
ing clyster ; 


RECIPE  No.  54. 


Thin  gruel, 

Common  salt, 

Spirits  of  turpentine, 
Treacle, 


three  quarts ; 
eight  ounces  ; 
half  a pint ; 
four  ounces. 


Mix,  and  when  new-milk  warm,  inject  it. 


When  the  bowels  are  opened,  and  the  animal  is  low 


COMPtETE  GUIDE. 


131 


and  unable  to  rise,  give  the  following  cordial  drink,  and 
repeat  it,  if  necessary  : 

RECIPE  No.  55. 


Grains  of  paradise,  powdered, 
Ginger,  ditto. 

Aniseed,  ditto. 

Carraway,  ditto. 

Flour  of  mustard. 

Salt  of  tartar. 

Oil  of  turpentine. 

Treacle, 


half  an  ounce ; 
half  an  ounce ; 
two  ounces; 
two  ounces  ; 
two  ounces  ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
four  table-spoonsful. 


Mix,  and  give  it  in  a quart  of  warm  gruel,  with  a wine-glassful  of 
gin  or  brandy. 


Cows  afflicted  with  the  milk  fever  require  great  care 
and  good  nursing : the  stall  where  they  live,  must  be 
well  littered,  and  it  is  frequently  necessary  to  cover 
them  with  a blanket,  or  some  warm  covering,  when 
they  are  cold  and  shivering.  The  udder  should  be 
rubbed  two  or  three  times  a day,  for  about  half  an  hour 
each  time,  with  soft  soap,  or  pipe-clay,  and  cold  spring 
water,  which  will  assist  in  subduing  the  inflammation. 
The  paps  should  also  be  drawn  occasionally,  to  encour- 
age the  flow  of  milk ; and  if  the  milk  appear,  it  is  a 
good  sign.  As  they  are  frequently  unable  to  take 
nourishment  sufficient  to  support  themselves,  it  will  be 
essential  to  assist  them.  For  this  purpose  give  the 
following 

GRUEL. 

Make  a stiff  gruel,  of  an  equal  quantity  of  linseed  in  powder, 
and  oatmeal,  boiled  in  a sufficient  quantity  of  water  ; and  when 
new-milk  warm,  give  the  beast  about  two  to  four  quarts,  three  or 
four  times  a day. 

The  gruel  may  be  sweetened  with  coarse  sugar,  or  treacle  ; and  a 
little  common  salt  may  be  added. 


Prevention. — The  best  way  to  prevent  this  disease, 
is  to  take  four  or  five  quarts  of  blood  from  the  beast, 
about  eight  or  ten  days  before  her  time  of  calving : let 


132 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


this  be  done  at  night,  and  keep  lier  in  a fold-yard  till 
morning.  The  purging  drink  No.  5,  should  be  given 
before  the  animal  is  put  to  grass ; and  this  treatment, 
together  with  proper  food,  and  none  but  pure  watery  will 
cool  the  body,  and  obviate  the  tendency  to  inflamma- 
tion in  the  udder. 

Murrain^  or  Pestilential  Fever^ 

Is  not  a periodical  disease,  nor  is  it  caused  by  improper 
feeding,  or  dependent  on  any  of  the  causes  which  pro- 
duce fevers  or  inflammations  generally ; it  must  rather 
be  considered  in  the  light  of  a plague,  or  pestilence,  in- 
duced by  the  atmosphere  being  infected  by  j:he  mias- 
mala,  that  is,  the  injurious  aguish  air  which  arises  from 
low,  flat,  and  marsh  districts  and  swampy  lands : this 
seems  evident  from  the  fact,  that  it  has  raged  most  at 
those  times  when,  and  in  those  places  Where,,  inunda- 
tions have  most  prevailed. 

The  murrain  was  formerly  considered  a fatal  disease; 
but  of  late  years  it  has  yielded  to  medicine  and  judi- 
cious management.  It  is  very  pestilential,  and  if  one 
of  the  herd  be  attacked,  it  must  instantly  be  removed 
from  the  others,  or  it  will  infect  them  all  as  certainly 
as  the  glanders  do  a horse.  It  takes  place  at  all  sea- 
sons, but  rages  most  in  summer  and  autumn.  The  fate 
of  the  beast  is  generally  determined  on  the  seventh 
day,  although  the  danger  is  not  over  till  the  ninth. 
Bulls  and  oxen  are  not  so  violently  attacked  as  cows 
and  calves ; and  cows  with  calf,  or  sickly  cow-calves, 
suffer  the  most  severely. 

Symptoms, — The  first  appearance  of  murrain  is  indi- 
cated by  a decrease  of  appetite ; a poking  out  of  the 
neck,  as  if  there  were  some  difficulty  in  swallowing  its 
food ; a shaking  of  the  heady  as  if  the  ears  were  tickled ; 
a hanging  down  of  the  ears,  and  deafness ; a dulness 
of  the  eyes,  and  a moving  to  arid  fro,  in  a constant  un- 
easiness. All  these  signs,  except  the  last,  increase  till 
the  fourth  day ; then  ensue  a stupidity,  and  unwilling- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


133 


ness  to  move,  great  debility,  a total  loss  of  appetite,  a 
running  at  the  eyes  and  nose,  sometimes  sickness,  and 
throwing  up  of  bile,  a husky  cough,  and  shivering.  The 
fever,  which  was  continual  the  three  first  days,  now 
rises,  and  increases  towards  the  evening : the  pulse  is 
all  along  quick,  contracted,  and  uneven.  A constant 
diarrhoea,  or  scouring  of  foetid  green  excrement,  a 
stinking  breath,  a nauseous  steam  from  the  skin,  infect 
the  air : the  blood  is  very  florid,  hot,  and  frothy ; their 
urine  is  high  coloured ; the  roof  of  the  mouth  and  the 
barbs  are  ulcerated.  Tumours,  or  boils,  are  to  be  felt 
under  the  fleshy  membrane  of  the  skin ; and  eruptions 
appear  all  along  the  limbs,  and  about  the  bags.  If  a 
milch  cow,  her  milk  dries  up  gradually ; her  purging  is 
more  violent ; and  on  the  fourth  day  she  is  commonly 
dry.  There  is  a sharpness  in  the  dung,  so  that  the 
fundament  is  visibly  irritated  for  some  time.  They 
groan  much,  are  worse  in  the  evening,  and  mostly 
when  they  lie  down.  These  symptoms  increase  till 
the  seventh  day,  about  which  time  the  crisis  or  turn 
takes  place : whether  for  the  better  or  worse,  the  fol- 
lowing directions  will  readily  determine : - 

The  favourable  symptoms  are, — eruptions  all  over  the 
skin,  or  boils,  as  big  as  pigeon’s  eggs,  in  various  parts 
of  the  body,  but  particularly  from  head  to  tail,  along 
each  side  of  the  back-bone,  and  so  ripe  as  to  discharge 
putrid  and  stinking  matter ; large  abscesses  formed  in 
the  horns,  or  in  any  other  parts  of  the  body ; the  dung 
more  consistent  and  hard ; the  urine  thick,  and  not 
quite  so  high  coloured : a shivering  fit,  succeeded  by  a 
general  glow  of  heat,  upon  which  an  abatement  of  the 
fever  takes  place,  and  a more  regular  pulse ; the  nose 
sore  or  scabbed ; the  eyes  bright  and  brisk;  and  the 
animal,  on  the  approach  of  any  one  to  its  hovel,  pricks 
up  its  ears,  and  will  eat  a little  hay  or  peas  offered  it : 
these  symptoms  are  a sure  sign  that  the  beast  is  out  of 
danger. 

M 


134 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


Unfavourable  symptoms. — But  if,  on  the  seventh  day'^ 
the  boils  are  decreased  in  bulk,  or  disappear,  and  not 
break  outwardly : if  the  scourging  continue ; if  the 
breath  be  hot,  while  the  body,  limbs,  and  horns,  are 
cold;  if  the  groaning  or  difficulty  of  breathing  be  in- 
creased; if  the  running  from  the  nose  and  eyes  be  les- 
sened ; if  the  eyes  are  dim  and  sunk  into  the  head,  with 
a perfect  stupidity ; if  the  urine  be  dark  coloured ; the 
pulse  intermittent,  and  a cadaverous  smell  be  observed, 
we  may  safely  pronounce  the  creature  to  be  near  its 
end. 

Remedy. — As  soon  as  the  symptoms  determine,  or  in- 
deed, as  soon  as  you  have  reason  to  expect  that  the 
beast  is  infected,  remove  it  from  the  rest,  and  put  it  by 
itself  into  a house  or  shed,  well  ventilated.  Then  bleed 
it  copiously,  even  to  fainting;  wash  the  body  all  over 
with  water  and  vinegar,  new-railk  warm,  to  clear  the 
skin  from  filth ; rub  it  frequently,  and  it  will  derive 
much  benefit  by  the  pores  being  kept  clean  and  open. 
Make  a rowel  as  soon  as  possible,  in  the  dewlap,  and 
keep  it  open  uatil  a complete  cure  be  effected : if  the 
dung  be  hard,  a cooling  purge,  (as  No.  5,  or  No.  53,) 
should  be  given,  and  plenty  of  antiseptic  drinks,  as 
bran-water,  vinegar,  bitters,  and  salts,  diluted  with 
water : but  no  hay,  until  the  beast  is  sufiiciently  reco- 
vered to  chew  the  cud ; wash  the  mouth  and  nostrils 
carefully  and  often;  if  a purging  comes  on  by  the  fourth 
day,  check  it  by  warm  medicines,  which  will  throw  the 
morbid  matter  off  the  skin,  as  snake-weed,  or  Venice 
treacle ; or  the  following  drink : 

RECIPE  No.  56. 

Prepared  chalk,  four  ounces ; 

Powdered  aniseeds,  two  ounces  ; 

Powdered  ginger,  one  ounce  ; 

Opium,  cut  small,  one  dram. 

Mix  and  give  it  in  a quart  of  warm  ale  or  gruel. 

If  the  colour  of  the  mouth  become  dark,  the  crea- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE* 


135 


ture  cold,  the  dung  dark  arid  foetid,  and  the  discharge 
from  the  mouth  and  nose  thin,  an  ounce  of  Jesuit’s  or 
oak  bark,  with  snake-root,  should  be  given  every  four 
hours,  to  prevent  mortification.  If  matter  be  formed 
in  the  horns,  or  other  part,  an  opening  should  be  made, 
and  digested  by  warm  applications,  or  poultices.  At 
the  crisis,  if  a purging  occur,  empty  the  bowels  with  a 
smart  purge,  and  give  a draught  of  warm  ale  at  night. 
On  recovery,  the  beast  should  be  gradually  exposed  to 
cold  air^  and,  by  degrees,  habituated  to  its  usual  food. 

JMurrain^  or  Common  Fever. 

Murrain,  however,  is  not  always  so  malignant,  nor 
so  rapid  in  its  progress,  nor  so  certainly  fatal  in  its  ter- 
mination. This  milder  complaint  may  be  considered  as 
a nearer  approach  to  common  fever,  attended  with 
local  inflammation ; and  its  symptoms  may  be  charac- 
terized as  follows; 

Symptoms. — A shivering,  and  trembling  of  the  limbs ; 
want  of  appetite ; cough  or  hoosing ; sometimes  accom- 
panied with  tears;  the  mouth  affected  with  blisters,  or 
white  spots ; in  a milch  cow,  the  secretion  of  milk  is 
diminished.  In  a few  days,  the  inflammation  extends 
to  the  lungs : the  pulse  quick — about  60  in  a minute  ; 
the  muzzle  dry;  the  head,  horns,  and  breath  hot;  the 
body  and  limbs  cold.  As  the  disease  proceeds,  these 
symptoms  aggravate,  and  without  prompt  and  proper 
care,  terminate  fatally. 

Cure. — House  the  animal  by  itself,  and  bleed  it  co- 
piously ; in  general,  three  bleedings  are  requisite,  one 
each  day.  Set  a seton  in  the  dewlap,  and  keep  it  run- 
ning for  some  time.  Give  the  purging  drink  No.  5,  and 
repeat  it  occasionally.  Keep  the  beast  clean,  by  rub- 
bing, and  also  by  being  well  littered,  and  let  it  have 
meshes  of  scalded  bran,  or  bruised  malt,  with  a little 
ground  corn  or  barley  mixed.  On  the  turn  of  the  dis- 


136 


FARMER^S  AND  GRAZIER^S 


ease,  if  the  animal  be  low  and  debilitated,^the  restora- 
tive drink,  No.  41,  will  be  very  useful. 

After-treatment^  or^  eradication  of  the  disease, — On 
the  recovery  of  the  animal,  the  cow-house,  or  place  in 
which  it  was  sheltered,  should  be  made  comfortable 
and  very  clean,  but  properly  ventilated ; all  the  litter 
must  be  burned ; and  if  the  disease  was  malignant,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  fumigate  the  house,  and  every 
thing  in  it,  with  the  following  fumigation  mixture : 

FUMIGATION  MIXTURE. 

Common  salt,  two  pounds ; 

Oil  of  vitriol,  one  pound. 

Place  the  salt  in  an  earthen  vessel,  in  the  middle  of  the  cow-house, 
pour  the  acid  gradually  on  it,  stir  it  well  about  with  a long  stick, 
and  immediately  leave  the  place,  and  close  the  door. 

This  fumigation  should  be  done  at  least  twice,  at  the 
removal  of  an  infected  beast,  and  on  its  recovery ; and 
the  stalls  should  be  cleaned  and  lime-washed.  All  the 
cattle  that  die  of  the  complaint  must  be  buried  at  least 
five  feet  deep,  to  prevent  the  efiluvia  that  would  other- 
wise arise  from  the  carcase,  and  inevitably  spread  the 
infection. 


ZNFZ.A3MS;Z^ATORY  DISORDERS. 

Inflammation  of  the  Brain,,  Phrenzy^  or  Mad 
Staggers^ 

Is  a most  distressing  complaint ; it  comes  on  gradually, 
but  soon  becomes  ungovernable,  and  unless  efficient 
help  be  afforded,  invariably  terminates  in  death. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


137 


Cause. — In  London,  this  disease  is  known  by  the 
name  of  madness,  and  is  there  brought  on  by  the  cruel 
and  inhuman  practice  of  over-driving : but  in  the  coun- 
try, it  most  commonly  proceeds  from  a redundancy  of 
blood  in  the  system,  induced  by  cattle  thriving  too  fast 
on  rich  pasture  grounds,  or  feeding  them  too  quick  to 
get  them  in  high  condition ; it  is  also  brought  on  by  the 
intense  heat  of  the  sun,  or  by  severe  bruises  on  the 
head,  or  by  being  harassed  or  frightened. 

Symptoms. — ^The  eyes  appear  inflamed,  and  ready  to 
start  from  their  sockets ; a peculiar  wildness  manifests 
itself  in  the  animal’s  looks,  and  it  staggers  when  it 
moves.  A perfect  delirium  or  madness  succeeds  ; and 
the  beast,  after  furious  exertions,  sometimes  falls  down, 
and  lies  for  some  time,  either  senseless  or  struggling. 
It  then  starts  up,  repeats  the  same  effects  of  ungovern- 
able madness  as  before,  and  again  falls  down  suddenly, 
till  at  last  it  ends  in  death.  In  these  paroxysms  they 
will  tear  up  the  earth  with  their  feet,  and  toss  every 
thing  up  with  their  teeth  or  horns  which  comes  in  their 
way. 

Cure. — In  the  early  stage  of  this  disorder,  this  is  easy 
enough, — a copious  bleeding,  until  the  animal  faints, 
will  then  be  suflicient;  but  if  the  disease  has  reached 
to  an  ungovernable  height,  there  will  be  some  difficulty 
in  accomplishing  this : still  it  must  be  done,  or  the  ani- 
mal will  soon  die.  When  the  beast  is  secured,  if  the 
arteries  cannot  be  opened,  both  neck  veins  should  be 
opened  as  quickly  as  possible;  for  by  keeping  the  neck 
corded  without  opening  the  vein,  the  danger  is  only  in- 
creased. Repeat  the  bleeding,  if  necessary ; give  the 
following  purge,  and  the  cure  will  be  effected.  A bare 
pasture  is  a good  restorative. 

RECIPE  No.  57. 

Barbadoes  aloes,  twelve  drams  ; 

Carbonate  of  potash,  three  drams ; 

2 M 


138 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


Glauber’s  salts,  seven  ounces ; 

Water,  one  quart. 

Mix,  and  give  it  at  one  dose. 

Inflammation  of  the  LungSj  Peripneumony^  or 

This  disorder,  like  most  others,  has  several  names, 
but  the  symptoms  are  plain  and  determinate ; the  most 
prompt  care  is  essential : for  when  inflammation  once 
seizes  the  lungs,  death,  or  at  best,  a lingering  reco- 
very, will  be  the  result,  unless  speedy  help  be  afforded. 

Cause. — Obstructed  perspiration  from  sudden  and 
great  changes  of  weather,  especially  when  very  wet ; 
being  drove  a long  distance,  and  then  exposed  to  the 
cold  and  damp  air  of  the  night,  particularly  such  beasts 
as  are  fat  and  in  good  condition.  It  is  also  brought  on 
by  keeping  them  too  well,  or  by  feeding  them  too 
hastily. 

Symptoms. — ^Difficulty  of  breathing,  but  quick  and 
laborious,  indicated  by  the  quick  motion  of  the  flanks ; 
this  is  often  preceded  by  a cold  shivering  fit ; the  mouth 
is  open,  and  a ropy  kind  of  fluid  frequently  runs  from 
it;  a cough,  or  hoosing,  accompanies  the  complaint. 
The  animal  looks  dull,  and  seldom  lies  down,  as  it  can 
breathe  best  in  the  standing  posture ; the  head  and  ears 
hang  downward ; the  horns,  especially  about  the  roots, 
are  hot  and  feverish ; and  the  animal  has  no  appetite. 
At  first,  the  pulse  is  low,  but  soon  rises,  particularly 
after  bleeding,  and  beats  from  60  to  70  in  a minute. 

Cure. — Copious  bleeding  is  the  remedy  most  to  be 
depended  upon.  The  beast  must  be  put  into  a cool 
cow-house,  well  littered,  and  bled  freely,  even  till  faint- 
ing; and  this  must  be  repeated  after  an  interval  of 
eight  hours,  if  the  difiiculty  of  breathing  and  other  in- 
flammatory symptoms  are  not  much  relieved.  A third. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


189 


or  even  fourth  bleeding  may  be  necessary,  but  not  in 
such  copious  quantities,  about  two  quarts  being  then 
amply  sufficient.  The  following  purgative  drink  should 
be  administered  between  the  bleedings : 

RECIPE  No.  58. 

Epsom  salts,  twelve  ounces ; 

Nitre,  one  ounce; 

Elecampane,  one  ounce. 

Put  the  ingredients  into  a pitcher,  pour  three  pints  of  boiling  water 

upon  them,  and  give  when  new-milk  warm. 

This  may  be  repeated  every  third  day,  if  necessary. 

When  the  animal  has  recovered,  avoid  as  much  as 
possible,  all  the  causes  which  induced  the  complaint ; 
house  it  (particularly  if  a cow,)  during  the  night,  for  a 
short  time ; and  when  you  turn  it  out  to  feed,  let  it  be 
to  a bare  pasture,  where  it  must  for  a short  time  use 
good  exercise  in  obtaining  a bellyful  of  grass.  Give  it 
also,  occasionally,  eight  to  twelve  ounces  of  Epsom  or 
Glauber’s  salts.  Care  must  be  taken  to  get  them  up 
again  by  feeding  very  gradually,  or  a relapse  will  be 
the  consequence. 

Catarrh^  Fellon^  Cold^  Epidemic^  Fever^  Influenza^ 
or  Distemper. 

All  these  are  the  names  of  one  distemper,  and  that  a 
coW,  which  prevails  most  in  the  spring  of  the  year, 
when  the  wind  is  easterly,  and  the  weather  wet  and 
cold.  It  is  also  caused  by  sudden  changes  from  heat  to 
cold,  or  the  contrary ; drinking  freely  of  cold  water, 
after  being  heated  by  exercise  or  over-driving.  Some- 
times it  comes  on  without  any  perceptible  cause,  and 
prevails  in  so  great  and  so  malignant  a degree,  as  to 
appear  contagious. 

Symptoms. — The  beast  appears  dull  and  heavy,  with 
weeping  eyes ; the  nose  is  dry ; the  coat  looks  staring, 


140 


farmer’s  anp  ©razier’s 


the  hair  seeming  to  stand  the  wrong  way  on  the  ani- 
mal’s back;  loss  of  appetite;  and  if  a milch-cow%  her 
milk  is  much  lessened  in  quality,  or  she  is  said  to  trick 
of  her  milk.  If  the  hand  be  pressed  upon  the  chine,  or 
any  part  of  the  back,  the  animal  mostly  gives  way:  it 
is  then  called  the  chine  fellon:  at  other  times,  the  joints 
are  more  particularly  affected,  it  is  then  termed  the 
joint  fellon.  When  the  cold  is  more  violent,  feverish 
symptoms  appear ; the  breathing  becomes  more  rapid 
and  difficult;  the  flanks  work  much,  the  animal  hooses, 
the  pulse  is  qiiick,  the  nose  and  mouth  dry,  and  the 
breath  hot:  the  beast  becomes  restless;  moves  from 
one  place  to  another  in  evident  distress;  and  the  bow- 
els become  costive.  Inflammation  of  the  lungs  or  bow- 
els may  now  be  said  to  be  produced. 

Cause, — The  causes  of  cold  are  various,  and  have 
been  generally  described ; we  may  add,  that  those 
cattle  are  most  liable  to  be  attacked  which  have  been 
tenderly  brought  up,  or  that  have  been  poorly  fed,  or 
exposed  to  cold,  damp,  or  piercing  winds.  Cows  after 
calving  are  also  very  subject  to  colds. 


Cure. — Where  the  feverish  or  inflammatory  symp- 
toms have  not  yet  appeared,  a warm,  cordial  drink,  as 
the  following,  will,  by  acting  as  a stimulant  to  the  sto- 
mach, assist  the  defective  digestive  energy,  and  (in  the 
cow)  increase  the  secretion  of  milk;  it  also  restores  the 
obstructed  perspiration,  and  enables  nature  to  resume 
her  former  course : 


RECIPE  No.  59.  (CORDIAL  DRINK.) 

Sweet  fennel  seeds,  fresh  powdered,  two  ounces ; 
Cummin  seeds,  ditto  two  ounces  ; 

Long  pepper,  ditto  one  ounce ; 

Turmeric,  ditto  one  ounce; 

Ginger,  ditto  one  ounce  ; 

Elecampane,  ditto  one  ounce ; 

Treacle,  or  coarse  sugar,  two  ounces. 


Mix  in  a quart  of  ale,  pour  boiling  hot  upon  the  whole  in  a 
pitcher ; cover  down  till  new-milk  warm,  and  then  give  it  at 
once. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


141 


Or,  No.  39,  may  be  given,  mixed  in  a similar 
manner. 

These  drinks  will  effect  a cure,  occasionally  re- 
pealed, if  no  feverish  symptoms  ensue  ; but  if  they  do,  a 
free  bleeding  must  be  applied  to,  and  repeated,  if  ne- 
cessary ; and  the  treatment  should  be  the  same  as  for 
inflammation  generally. 

Inflammation  of  the  Stomachy 

Is  a serious  disorder,  and  takes  place  in  various  de- 
grees, each  varying  in  its  symptoms,  but  all  of  them 
bearing  sufficient  resemblance  to  each  other  to  deter- 
mine the  complaint.  A certain  degree  of  inflammation 
in  this  important  organ  will  cause  an  alteration  in  the 
milk,  and  when  it  arrives  at  the  udder,  it  will  irritate 
and  inflame  it,  and  cause  the  milk  drawn.off,  to  be  thin, 
yellowish,  and  stringy.  This  sometimes  has  an  offen- 
sive smell,  and  even  assumes  the  appearance  of  matter, 
and  at  others  a reddish  look,  as  if  blood  were  mixed 
with  it. 

Cause, — When  the  stomach  is  oppressed  by  too  much 
food,  the  digestive  process  is  suspended,  the  food  fer- 
ments, and  a quantity  of  air  is  extricated,  which  dis- 
tends and  inflames  the  stomach.  It  differs  from  the 
disease  termed  hoven,  or  blast,  that  being  an  affection 
of  the  rumen  or  first  stomach ; while  in  this  it  is  the 
fourth.  Unwholesome  food  is  the  most  common  source 
of  this  disease,  bad  hay  having  generally  too  much  of 
the  fibrous  parts,  which  lodge  in  the  third  stomach,  and 
unless  they  are  soon  dislodged,  induce  inflammation  of 
the  stomach. 

Symptoms, — Heaviness,  dullness  and  loss  of  appetite ; 
the  lungs  are  affected ; the  breathing  disturbed ; and 
sometimes  accompanied  by  a hoose,  or  cough  : the 
milk  of  the  cow  is  affected,  both  in  quality  and  quanti- 
ty ; and  the  animal  is  in  great  and  evident  pain. 


142 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


Cure. — Bleeding  is  the  first  remedy  in  this  as  in  all 
other  inflammations ; which  must  be  done  copiously ; es- 
pecially when  it  has  been  accustomed  to  good  pasture; 
and  then  a saline  opening  drench  may  be  given  : 

RECIPE  No.  60.  SALINE  OPENING  DRExNCH. 

Epsom  salts,  ten  ounces  ; 

Carbonate  of  Soda,  twelve  drams  ; 

Water,  one  quart ; 

Castor  oil,  six  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  it. 

Where  it  has  arisen  from  feeding  on  bad  bay,  the 
following  is  decidedly  the  best  drink : 

RECIPE  No.  61. 

Barbadoes  aloes,  six  drams; 

Powdered  ginger,  a dram  and  a half  ; 

Water,  one  quart; 

Epsom  salts,  six  ounces; 

Carbonate  of  soda,  six  drams  ; 

Tincture  of  opium,  six  drams. 

Mix  for  one  draught. 

Whey,  or  thin  bran  meshes,  are  perhaps  the  best 
food,  while  the  beast  is  under  cure ; drinking  freely  of 
water,  slightly  warmed,  will  assist  in  clearing  the  third 
stomach,  and  a clys-ter  thrown  up  will  be  of  advan- 
tage : light,  good  food,  perfectly  easy  of  digestion,  must 
be  at  first  carefully  observed,  and  when  the  stomach  is 
cleared,  the  animal  may  be  kept  better ; but  this  must 
be  done  cautiously,  as  it  will  take  some  little  time  to 
restore  the  digestive  system  to  its  wonted  energy. 

Injiammation  of  the  Hearty 

Is  generally  attended  with  symptoms  of  inflamed 
lungs,  and  sometimes  with  pain  in  the  bowels;  it  may 
in  short,  be  considered  as  general  inflammation. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


143 


Cause, — This  inflammation  is  generally  brought  on 
by  the  animal  drinking  cold  water  when  over  driven, 
or  heated  by  exercise,  although  this  is  more  likely  to 
produce  inflammation  in  the  stomach  and  bowels  ; it  is 
also  occasioned  by  over-driving  cattle  when  too  well 
fed  and  unaccustomed  to  exercise. 

Symptoms, — Much  the  same  as  in  inflamed  lungs,  ex- 
cept that  the  symptoms  are  more  violent,  and  the  beast 
in  more  evident  distress;  but  this  may  arise  from  the 
animal,  subject  to  this  complaint,  being  generally  in  full 
flesh  and  fat. 

Cure, — Copious  bleedings,  repeated  at  intervals  of 
six  or  eight  hours,  to  fainting,  and  keeping  the  animal 
cool  and  quiet,  are  the  only  remedies  to  be  depended 
upon ; and  when  the  animal  is  a little  recovered,  it 
should  be  fed  on  thin  bran  meshes,  or  whey ; and  when 
it  is  capable  of  being  again  turned  out,  good,  sweet, 
short  grass,  should  be  atforded  it. 

Inflammation  of  the  Kidneys, 

The  kidneys  of  neat  cattle  are  predisposed  to  this 
disease  by  the  vessels  of  that  region  being  previously 
relaxed  : the  immediate  or  exciting  cause  of  acute  in- 
flammation in  the  kidneys,  are,  blows  on  the  loins, 
strains,  or  violent  exertions,  as  by  one  animal  riding  or 
mounting  on  another  while  in  heat,  as  well  as  by  a 
superabundant  determination  of  blood  to  the  region  of 
the  kidneys;  and  nearly  resembles,  in  this  respect,  red 
water. 

Symptoms, — A frequent  desire  to  void  urine,  which 
is  done  with  difficulty,  and  in  small  quantities.  And, 
instead  of  being  transparent,  and  nearly  limped,  it  is 
bloody,  or  dark-coloured. 

Cure, — Bleeding  freely,  is  the  first  remedy,  and  then 


144 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


the  saline  opening  drench,  (recipe  No.  42,)  may  be  ad- 
ministered. If  the  urine  continues  bloody,  or  of  a red 
colour,  after  the  pain  and  difficulty  are  gone  off,  give 
the  astringent  drink,  (recipe  No.  32).  The  slate  of  the 
bowels,  however,  must  be  attended  to,  and  costiveness 
avoided,  or  removed  when  it  takes  place.  Good,  light, 
nourishing  food  is  also  essential  to  perfecting  a cure. 

Injiammation  of  the  Bowels. 

This  disease  is  the  second  or  inflammatory  state  of  the 
complaint  called  blasting,  or  hoven ; and  requires 
prompt  and  efficient  relief,  or  if  inevitably  and  speedily 
terminates  fatally. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  first  appears  uneasy,  and 
loses  its  appetite  ; the  body  swells,  mostly  on  the  left 
side ; as  the  pain  increases,  a greater  restlessness  comes 
on ; the  beast  now  often  lies  down,  but  soon  rising 
again,  strives  to  strike  its  belly  with  its  hind  feet  or 
horns  : if  relief  be  not  soon  afforded,  the  bowels  become 
so  greatly  distended  by  confined  air  from  the  undigest- 
ed food,  that  they  sometimes  burst ; or,  the  inflamma- 
tion increasing,  the  breathing  becomes  more  disturbed, 
the  pulse  quicker,  and  the  pain  more  violent ; mortifi- 
cation ensues,  and  death  is  then  the  inevitable  result. 

Cause. — Improper  feeding,  as  unbroken  or  unbruis- 
ed grain,  particularly  oats ; or  excessive,  or  more  than 
usually  nutritious  food,  so  that  the  animal  gorges  more 
at  one  time  than  the  stomach  is  capable  of  digesting  ; 
or  being  turned  into  pastures  more  luxurious  than 
previously : either  of  these  will  often  produce  indiges- 
tion and  flatulency  ; and,  if  not  timely  attended  to,  oc- 
casion all  the  above  distressing  symptoms. 

Remedy. — Bleed  ; if  the  animal  be  in  good  condition, 
and  the  horns  hot,  do  it  freely,  even  till  it  faints ; then 
mix  and  give  the  drench : — (recipe  No.  31). 


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145 


The  following  clyster  may  be  added  ; and  if  the  ani- 
mal be  turned  into  a field  bare  of  pasture  to  exercise 
itself,  the  cure  may  be  considered  as  effected. 

RECIPE  No.  62. 

Table  salt,  eight  ounces  ; 

Water,  four  quarts. 

Where  the  attack  is  but  slight,  and  quickly  attend- 
ed to,  the  bleeding  may  be  omitted. 

Injiammation  of  the  Liver. 

When  the  liver  becomes  inflamed,  the  biliary  secre- 
tions are  diminished,  and  less  bile  flowing  into  the 
intestines,  not  only  causes  costiveness,  but  the  bile  be- 
ing taken  up  in  the  circulating  mass  of  blood,  produces 
a yellowness  of  the  eyes  and  other  parts  of  the  body  ; 
differing  from  the  yellows,  in  being  accompanied  with 
costiveness  and  feverish  symptoms. 

Causes. — Fat  be^ts,  in  good  condition,  are  most  sub- 
ject to  this  disease  particularly  in  the  summer;  being 
worried  and  driven  about  by  boys  or  dogs  in  very  hot 
weather ; drinking  cold  water  while  heated ; exposed 
to  cold  and  heat,  the  one  suddenly  succeeding  the 
other. 

Symptoms. — Cold  shiverings  alternating  with  increaS’ 
ed  heat  of  the  body ; breathing  short,  indicated  by  the 
working  of  the  flanks;  pulse  quick;  the  white  of  the 
eyes,  mouth,  and  other  parts  of  a yellow  cast;  the 
bowels  costive  ; and  the  appetite  lost. 

Cure. — -It  would  be  of  little  consequence  whether  this 
disease  be*  mistaken  for  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  or 
severe  catarrh,  which  is  often  the  case,  from  its  peculiar 
characteristics,  the  yellow  tinge  of  the  eyes  not  always 
appearing  at  the  commencement  of  the  complaint,  as 

N 


146 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


the  bleeding  and  purging  adopted  for  the  cure  of  those 
disorders  are  equally  effective  in  this : indeed,  the  same 
curative  process  may  invariably  be  pursued  in  this  case 
as  is  there  described. 

Inflammation  of  the  Spleen  or  Milt. 

This  disorder  is  as  acute  as  any  of  the  inflammatory 
class,  generally  destroying  the  affected  animal  in  three 
or  four  days.  It  usually  happens  in  very  hot  and  dry 
weather,  and  is.  supposed  to  arise  from  an  immoderate 
indulgence  in  slaking  the  thirst  of  animals  at  such  a 
period.  To  avoid  this  disease,  cattle  should,  in  hot 
weather,  be  driven,  particularly  at  night,  to  some  high 
situation,  where  there  is  only  a moderate  quantity  of 
grass,  and  no  water. 

Symptoms  and  Cwre.— Both  the  symptoms  and  cure 
so  much  resemble  what  has  been  said  under  the  head 
of  inflammation  of  the  liver,  that  we  cannot  do  belter 
then  refer  our  reader  thereto. — This  is,  however,  a 
severe  attack,  and  more  dangerousin  its  consequences ; 
and  therefore  demands  very  prompt  and  effective  re- 
medies. 

Inflammation  of  the  Womb. 

See  Puerperal  or  Milk  Fever. 

Inflammation  of  the  Shape. 

Cows  are  liable  to  this  complaint,  particularly  in  the 
summer  season.  It  most  commonly  attacks  cows  in 
high  condition,  and  arises  from  the  system  being  oppres- 
sed by  a redundancy  of  blood. 

Cause. — In  addition  to  the  above  causes,  this  disease 
may  arise  from  cows  taking  cold  in  calving ; it  also 
sometimes  occurs  after  bulling,  particularly  where  the 


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147 


bull  is  infected  with  the  disease  termed  bull-burnt, 
which  see.  r 

Symptoms. — The  shape  is  ’considerably  irritated, 
which  is  evident  from  the  actions  of  the  beast ; the 
shape  is  swollen ; and  boils  frequently  break  out  about 
the  barren,  which  break  and  discharge : and  when  the 
inflammation  extends,  a considerable  quantity  of  glairy 
fluid  discharges  from  the  sheath,  or  vagina. 

Cure. — Bleed  the  cow  copiously,  and  again  the  next 
day,  but  in  less  quantity : then  give  her  the  drink  No. 
28,  or  29,  as  there  directed;  and  repeat  it  on  the  third 
day,  if  necessary.  Bathe  the  tumified  parts  and  the 
shape  two  or  three  times  a day  with  the  following  lo- 
tion : 

RECIPE  No.  €3. 

Goulard’s  extract,  two  ounces; 

Spirits  of  wine,  one  ounce  ; 

Rainwater,  one  quart; 

Mix  the  goulard  and  spirits  of  wine  first  in  a bottle,  add  the  water, 

and  keep  it  well  stopped.—- Shake  it  before  using- 

If  this  disease  should  have  been  caused  by  her  taking 
the  bull,  the  following  injection  will  be  useful  to  stop 
the  glairy  running  from  the  sheath : — 

RECIPE  No.  64. 

Alum,  in  powder,  eight  drams ; 

Blue  vitriol,  do.  eight  drams ; 

Boiling  water,  one  quart ; 

Mix,  and  when  cold,  it  is  fit  for  use. 

Continue  to  use  both  the  lotion  and  injection  so  long 
as  the  inflammation  and  glairy  discharge  continue. 

Inflammation  of  the  Eye, 

Arises  sometimes  from  a redundancy  of  blood  in  the 


148 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


system,  and  the  animal  catching  cold  while  in  that 
state ; and  sometimes  it  is  caused  by  external  wounds 
and  bruises,  or  brought  on  by  any  substance  getting  in- 
to the  eye,  and  irritating  it 

Symptoms. — ^Redness  of  the  eye,  with  the  haw  drawn 
as  much  as  possible  over  the  affected  part,  and  the  lids 
constantly  closing  : the  eye-lids  are  also  swollen,  tears 
run  down  the  cheeks,  and  a discharge  is  emitted  from 
the  internal  angle  of  the  affected  eye. 

Cure, — When  the  inflammation  runs  high,'  take  three 
or  four  quarts  of  blood,  and  give  (the  cooling  purging 
drink.  No.  53 ; then  put  the  beast  in  a shady  house,  and 
apply  the  following  lotion  to  the  inflamed  eye  :~ 


RECIPE  No.  65. 


Spirits  of  wine  and  camphor, 

(or  camphorated  spirits  of  wine,) 
Goulard’s  extract, 

Spring-water, 


one  ounce ; 

one  ounce ; 
one  quart ; 


Mix,  and  shake  the  bottle  when  used.  Apply  it  with  a clean  linen 
rag  for  about  fifteen  minutes  two  or  three  times  a day  ; slightly 
open  the  eye-lid  now  and  then,  and  inject  a little  of  the  lotion 
into  the  eye. 


Cancer  of  the  Eye,, 

Is  not  properly  an  internal  complaint ; but  often  ori- 
ginating from  one ; for  when  an  inflammation  of  the 
eye  has  been  neglected,  or  improperly  treated,  parti- 
cularly when  it  originated  from  a blow,  it  often  ter- 
minates in  a cancer  of  the  eye ; which  being  somewhat 
of  the  nature  of  scrophula  in  the  human  subject,  will, 
if  not  checked,  destroy  the  eye,  and  affect  even  the 
bones  themselves.  It  also  arises  from  poor  living,  and 
other  similar  causes,  which  induce  a peculiar  state  of 
the  constitution. 


Symptoms,— The  globe  of  the  eye  appears  dull,  and 


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149 


lessened  in  bulk ; an  offensive  fluid  is  discharged  from 
it,  which  is  so  acrid,  that  it  destroys  the  skin  from  the 
part,  over  which  it  runs.  The  eyelids  are  swollen  and 
ulcerated,  and  sometimes  appear  almost  glued  toge- 
ther. 

Cure, — Bleed,  and  give  the  purging  drink.  No.  5, 
which  may  be  repeated  every  third  day,  if  necessary  ; 
then  make  the  following  ointment,  and  apply  it  to  the 
eye. 

RECIPE  No.  66. 

Red  precipitate,  finely  ground,  two  scruples, 

Spermaceti  ointment,  eight  drams  ; 

Mix,  and  put  it  to  the  eye  morning  and  evening  by  means  of  a 

feather. 

Quarter  Black  Leg^  Black  Quarter^  Shoot  of 
Bloody  8{c. 

The  disease  known  under  the  above  names  is  some- 
what similar  to  murrain,  except  that  this  is.  almost  pe- 
culiar to  young  cattle,  from  one  to  two  years  old,  and  is 
a very  dangerous  and  destructive  disorder. 

Cause, — Quarter  ill,  or  blaek-leg,  is  almost  always 
caused  by  putting  or  removing  young  stock  from  poor 
low  grounds  into  rich  pastures : tempted  by  the  luxu- 
riance of  the  change,  they  eat  to  satiety,  a superabun- 
dance of  blood  is  the  consequence ; and,  although  the 
kidneys  and  other  vital  parts  resist  for  awhile  the  in- 
flux, the  heart  and  lungs  are  at  last  suffocated. 

Symptoms, — The  approach  of  this  disorder  is  ob- 
served, by  the  animal  separating  itself  from  its  com- 
panions, appearing  listless,  heavy,  and  rejecting  its  food ; 
it  often,  however,  comes  on  so  suddenly,  that  the  owner 
finds  the  animal  dead  before  he  has  even  suspected 
any  thing  amiss.  The  immediate  symptoms  of  this  dis- 
N 2 


150 


tarmer’s  and  grazier’s 


ease  are, — a lame  walk,  as  if  sprained,  with  a swelling 
of  the  hind  quarters,  and  sometimes  of  the  shoulders 
and  fore  parts.  These  swellings,  when  pressed,  make 
a crackling  noise,  occasioned  by  the  air  therein  being 
acted  upon  by  a putrid  state  of  the  blood.  The  mouth, 
and  under  the  tongue,  are  sometimes  affected  with  blis- 
ters, from  the  severity  of  the  fever,  and  the  pulse  is 
quicker  than  natural; 

Cure. — This  disease  rarely  admits  of  cure  ; it  may, 
however,  fortunately,  be  prevented,  as  is  evident  from 
what  we  have  said  of  its  cause. — The  moment  you  see 
a young  animal  attacked,  house  it,  and  bleed  it  copi* 
ously.  This  is  the  only  remedy,  and  nothing  short  of 
fainting  will  prove  that  you  have  bled  it  freely  enough. 
Never  mind  the  quantity — bleed  till  it  faints.  Two 
hours  after,  give  the  following  drink ; 

RECIPE  No.  67. 

Epsom  salts,  six  ounces  ; 

(If  not  at  hand,  table  salt  may  be  substituted;) 

Water,  (hot,  almost  boiling)  one  quart : 

Mix,  and  give  it  when  new  milk  warm, 

It  rarely  happens,  that  a cure  is  effected  in  this  dis- 
ease where  the  swelling  has  taken  place ; as,  however, 
such  is  sometimes  the  case,  it  is  well  worth  the  trial, 
even  in  the  most  desperate  case.  The  tumified  or 
swelled  parts  should  have  an  incision  made  the  whole 
length  of  the  swelling,  and  nitre  put  into  the  opening, 
with  pledgets  of  tow  soaked  in  hot  spirits  of  turpentine, 
to  encourage  the  formation  of  matter,  and  check  the 
progress  of  the  gangrene.  These  dressings  must  be 
renewed  every  day. 

Preren/fon.— Wehave  said  this  dreadful  disease  may 
be  altogether  prevented,  and  perhaps,  it  is  more  de- 
sirable to  be  informed  how,  than  to  know  how  to  cure 
it.  Young  cattle  that  thrive  best,  are  most  subject  to 


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151 


this  complaint,  and  should  be  most  watched.  As  soon 
as  any  one  of  the  herd  is  attacked,  remove  it  and  put 
it  by  itself  while  under  the  curative  process : in  the 
evening  bring  them  all  into  the  fold-yard,  take  about 
two  quarts  of  blood  from  each,  give  them  the  drink  No. 
67,  and,  next  morning,  turn  them  out  in  a bare  pasture. 
— By  this  means  ypung  animals  may  be  preserved  from 
this  ravaging  complaint, 


EXTERNAL  DISEASES,  WOUNDS,  AND 
BRUISES. 

Chronic  Rhumatism^  called  also  Chine  Fellon^  and 
Joint  Fellon. 

This  disease  is  generally  the  result  of  a neglected 
catarrh,  settling  in  the  back  or  joints,  and  is  attended 
with  weakness  and  loss  of  flesh. — • 

Symptoms. — For  the  first  few  days,  the  animal  ap- 
pears only  stiff  in  the  joints  ; but  afterwards  it  begins 
to  swell,  and  become  painful,  especially  when  the  beast 
attempts  to  move.  Sometimes  the  stiffness  extends  all 
over  the  body,  to  such  a degree,  that  it  cannot  lie  down 
or  get  up  again,  without  assistance. 

Cure. — First  remove  the  animal  to  a sheltered  situa- 
tion, and  rub  the  swollen  joints  with  neats’-foot  oil,  or 
an  embrocation  made  as  follows : 

RECIPE  No.  68. 

• Sweet  oil,  four  ounces  ; 

Oil  of  turpentine,  two  ounces : — Mix. 


152 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


The  drench  (recipe  No,  31)  is  the  best  that  can  pos- 
sibly be  given ; and  should  it  appear  necessary  to  do 
any  more,  repeat  the  embrocation  rubbing,  and  give  it 
half  a pint  of  good  ale  or  beer,  warm,  with  a little  gin- 
ger, morning  and  evening. 

* Joint  Yellows^  or  TaiUrot. 

This  disease  is  of  the  consumptive  kind,  and  arising 
from  causes  similar  to  the  preceding,  and  can,  like  that, 
be  remedied  only  by  change  of  situation  and  food,  a 
warm  sheltered  field,  or,  in  cold  weather,  a warm  cow- 
house, with  straw  to  lie  down  on,  and  bran  meshes  with 
a little  bruised  malt,  and  a moderate  quantity  of  good 
hay. 

Symptoms. — Inability  to  lift  the  tail  in  dunging  or 
making  water,  in  consequence  of  which  the  tail  and 
hind  parts  become  very  filthy,  and  covered  with  dung  : 
there  is  also  a tenderness  about  the  loins,  and  about  the 
rump,  and  a tightness  of  the  skin  covering  those  parts. 
A ridiculous  idea  prevails  with  some  cow-doctors,  that 
there  is  a worm  in  the  tail ; and,  under  this  silly  sup- 
position,  they  make  an  incision  into  the  part  where 
there  is  most  weakness,  or.  where  the  joints  appear 
loosest.  In  a day  or  two,  this  sore  becomes  painful,  and 
induces  the  animal  to  make  an  exertion.  This  they 
pronounce  a cure ; how  falsely  so,  the  result  too  often 
proves. 

Cure. — If  this  disease  be  taken  in  time,  the  cure  is 
easy,  and  costs  but  little.  First,  gently  wash  the  part 
affected  with  clean  water,  and  remove  all  the  dirt  and 
filth  ; then  bathe  it  with  the  cooling  lotion  No.  65,  and 
administer  a gentle  cooling  purge,  as  No.  31,  or  No.  5, 
and  afterwards  a cordial  astringent  drench,  as  No.  32  : 
in  treatment,  the  directions  given  for  the  cure  of  chronic 
rheumatism  may  be  also  followed  in  this : and  if  the 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


153 


beast  be  in  good  condition,  and  symptoms  of  inflam- 
mation, appear,  take  away  about  three  quarts  of  blood. 

Locked^Jaw^ 

Is  generally  the  efTect  of  wounds,  either  of  the  head, 
horns,  or  extermities  or  brought  on  by  eating  poison- 
ous herbs  or  insects,  by  which  the  whole  nervous  system 
is  affected,  and  sometimes  extends  over  the  whole 
body. 

Symptoms. — A sudden  stagnation  and  contraction  of 
almost  the  whole  muscular  system : every  muscle  ap- 
pears seized  at  once,  and  the  jaws  are  so  fast  closed,  as 
very  often  to  require  an  instrument  to  force  them  open, 
at  the  time  of  giving  medicine ; the  eyes  appear  to 
glisten,  and  fixed  in  their  orbits,  with  a very  peculiar 
anxiety  wrought  upon  them ; and  the  breathing  is  af- 
fected. 

Cure. — Rub  the  jaws  as  well  as  the  muscles  of  the 
neck,  when  affected,  with  some  linament,  and  then 
cover  them  with  a fresh  sheeps’-skin,  with  the  flesh 
side  inwards,  to  keep  up  a copious  perspiration ; or  if 
this  cannot  be  obtained,  ^ warm  blanket  may  be  used. 
Give  the  animal  a saline  cooling  draught,  as  No.  5,  or 
No.  31,  and  hasten  its  eflfects  by  a clyster.  If  the  dis- 
ease be  difficult  to  subdue,  throw  two  or  three  pails  of 
water  over  the  beast,  and  then  rub  its  sides  down,  till 
dry,  with  a whisp  of  straw. — If  it  be  in  summer,  let  the 
water  be  cold  i but  if  it  be  in  winter,  let  it  then  be 
warm.  If  the  disease  originated  from  a poisonous  herb 
or  insect,  bleed  copiously,  if  the  animal  be  in  good  con- 
dition, and  repeat  the  operation,  if  necessary* 

\ 

Wouftds. 

Wounds  are  generally  caused  by  their  goring  each 
other  with  their  horns,  or  by  breaking  over  fences ; 


154 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


and,  when  deep  and  extensive,  are  followed  by  inflam- 
mation. The  treatment  of  these  wounds,  although  mys- 
tified by  farriers,  is  very  simple ; too  often,  when  the 
wound  is  considerable,  and  some  important  part  injured, 
the  irritating  treatment  adopted,  destroys  the  animal ; 
and  in  less  severe  cases,  stimulating  applications  are 
highly  improper. 

In  deep  or  extensive  wounds,  particularly  in  the 
belly,  chest,  or  joints,  the  most  effectual  means  are 
necessary,  to  prevent  a fatal  inflammation. — Bleeding 
freely,  cleansing  the  wound,  and  bathing  it  with  a cool- 
ing lotion  (as  No.  65)  and  administering  a laxative  me- 
dicine, as  No.  5,  or  31,  are  the  first  remedies ; and  after- 
wards emolient  fomentations.  When  the  inflammation 
has  subsided,  and  the  wound  discharges  good  matter,  a 
tent  of  digestive  ointment  may  be  introduced  daily,  that 
it  may  heal  from  the  bottom.  If  the  opening  be  small, 
and  the  matter  has  not  free  vent,  it  should  be  so  en- 
larged, that  no  hollow  part  may  remain,  by  which  the 
matter  may  be  confined. 

When  a wound  bleeds  considerably,  there  is  little 
danger ; but  when  necessary  to  stop  it,  pressure  is  the 
most  effectual  means.  When  the  belly  has  been  wound- 
ed, and  the  bowels  obtrude,  they  must  be  very  care- 
fully put  back  again,  and  the  dirt,  if  any,  be  washed 
off,  but  with  warm  water  only : the  wound  should  then 
be  stitched  up,  but  with  few  stitches ; and  a bandage 
should  be  applied,  as  a further  security. 

Wounds  of  less  consequence  are  easily  cured,  a little 
lotion  to  bathe  the  part  affected,  and  a gentle  purga- 
tive, with  bleeding,  if  inflammation  be  present,  will  ge- 
nerally prove  amply  sufficient. 

Poultices  are  useful  in  assisting  to  heal  bruises  or 
wounds,  but  care  must  be  used  in  their  application  ; 
for  instance,  they  must  only  be  applied  after  the 
part  affected  has  been  well  bathed  and  cleansed^  and 
then  the  simplest  are  the  best. 

Bread  and  water  poultices  are  most  useful  where 
the  wound  is  angry,  and  difficult  to  heal  from  the  pre- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


155 


sence  of  some  foreign  body  within  it,  as  thorns,  splin- 
ters, or  the  like. 

Linseed-meal  poultices  are  best  where  a gathering 
has  taken  place,  and  should  be  drawn  to  a head,  that 
the  matter  therein  may  be  discharged. 

Marshmallow  ointment,  or  spermaceti  ointment  are 
both  very  useful  in  healing  flesh  wounds,  or  places  that 
have  gathered,  and  discharged. 

Strains  and  Bruises. 

Where  considerable,  bleeding  is  essential : after- 
wards apply  a fomentation  of  very  warm  water,  and  an 
emollient  ointment.  In  situations  that  will  admit  of  it, 
an  emollient  poultice  is  to  be  preferred.  When  the  in- 
flammation has  subsided,  the  following  embrocation 
may  be  applied  ;*  which  is  equally  good  for  wounds. 

RECIPE  No.  69. — Embrocation, 

Sweet  oil,  two  ounces  ; 

Oil  of  turpentine,  one  ounce  ; 

Liquid  ammonia,  one  ounce. 

RECIPE  No.  70. — Digestive  ointment. 

Hog’s  lard,  four  ounces  ; 

Turpentine,  four  ounces ; 

Powdered  verdigris,  one  ounce. 

Melt  the  two  first  over  the  fire,  and  while  stirring  it  add  the  verdi- 
gris ; continue  to  stir  it  after  taking  from  the  fire  till  the  oint- 
ment be  cold. 

Foul  in  the  Foot.,  Loe^  or  Low. 

Proceeds  either  from  the  fulness  of  habit  of  body,  or . 
redundancy  of  blood  in  the  system ; from  being  on  wet 
grounds,  or  from  hard  driving.  Neat  cattle  are  very 
liable  to  this  complaint ; but  cows  of  a gross  habit  of 
body  suffer  most  from  it. 

Symptoms. — It  first  makes  its  appearance  betwixt  the 


156 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


claws  or  hoofs  in  the  form  of  a hard  crack,  attended 
sometimes  with  inflammation  ; in  a short  time  this  dis- 
charges a fetid  and  offensive  matter,  similar  to  that  of 
the  grease  in  horses’  heels.  At  other  times  it  makes 
its  appearance  with  swelling  upon  the  cornet  between 
the  hair  and  the-  hoof,  and  about  the  fetlock-joint,  at- 
tended wdth  violent  pain  and  inflammation  ; the  swell- 
ing sometimes  extending  all  up  the  leg,  and  the  pain  so 
considerable  as  to  reduce  the  beast  of  its  flesh  till  it  be- 
comes a mere  skeleton. 

Cure. — Bleed  copiously,  or  until  the  animal  faints ; 
if  sufficient  blood  can  be  taken  from  the  toe,  by  open- 
ing the  artery  going  to  that  part,  it  will  quickly  and 
readily  afford  relief.  If  the  disease  first  makes  its  ap- 
pearance between  the  claws,  wash  the  part  clean  from 
all  dirt  and  filthiness ; when  dry  rub  a tar  rope  to  and 
fro  between  the  claws  of  the  hoof,  till  an  evident  glow 
of  warmth  is  produced  ; then  dress  the  part  with  a 
wooden  skewer  dipped  in  butter  of  antimony,  oil  of  vi- 
triol, or  nitrous  acid.  Let  them  stand  dry  one  hour  af- 
ter, and  then  turn  them  on  a dry  pasture. — Do  this  for 
two  or  three  days  together;  but  if  the  parts  about  the 
fetlock  joint  swell,  and  appear  inflamed,  apply  a large 
poultice  of  linseed  meal,  bean  meal,  or  rye-flour,  and 
continue  to  do  so  until  the  inflammation  and  swelling 
be  reduced.  The  cure  of  this  disease  will  be  consider- 
ably accelerated,  if  the  following  saline  purgative  be  ad- 
ministered : 


RECIPE  No.  71 


Glauber  salts, 
Ginger,  powdered. 
Treacle, 


one  pound  ; 
two  ounces ; 
four  ounces. 


Put  the  ingredients  into  a pitcher,  and  pour  upon  them  three  pints 
of  boiling-water  : when  of  a new-milk  warmth,  give  it  at  one 
dose. 


The  following  is  an  excellent  ointment  with  which 
the  wound  in  the  foot  may  be  dressed  : 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


157 


RECIPE  No.  72. 

Hog’s  lard,  two  ounces ; 

Comraon  turpentine,  four  ouces ; 

Blue  vitriol,  very  finely  powdered^  half  an  ounce. 

Melt  the  lard  and  turpentine  together : and  when  removed  from  the 
fire,  stir  in  the  blue  vitriol : continue  stirring  till  cold,  and  it  is  fit 
for  use. 

The  Mange^ 

Is  seated  in  the  skin,  and  proceeds,  generally,  from 
scanty  or  improper  food,  during  the  winter ; it  makes 
its  appearance  early  in  the  spring.  The  itching  occa- 
sioned by  this  disease  causes  the  animal  to  rub  itself 
against  the  trees,  or  gates,  until  the  hair  be  rubbed  off, 
and  the  skin  thickened,  and  drawn  into  folds  about  the 
shoulders,  neck,  or  cheek.  The  best  situation  for 
beasts  so  affected,  is  a field  where  the  pasture  is  rather 
bare. 

Symptoms. — The  skin,  or  hide,  appears  fast  on  all 
parts  of  the  body  ; and  every  time  the  beasts  rub  them- 
selves, the  hair  comes  off,  and  a thick  white  scurf,  of  a 
scabby  appearance,  is  to  be  seen  a short  time  after. 

Cure. — The  parts  affected  must  be  well  rubbed  with 
the  following  ointment,  every  third  or  fourth  day,  for 
about  three  times.  Rub  it  under  a warm  shade,  when 
the  sun  is  out;  or,  if  done  in  the  cow-house,  hold  a 
heated  iron  at  a proper  distance,  whilst  another  person 
rubs  it  on.  The  effect  of  the  medicine  will  thus  be 
improved ; and  in  slight  cases,  one  dressing  will  be  suf- 
ficient. Inveterate  cases  will  require  it  to  be  well  rub- 
bed in  with  a hard  brush ; the  parts  being  previously 
curried  with  an  old  curry-comb. 

RECIPE  No.  73. 

Hog’s  lard,  eight  ounces ; 

Spirit  of  turpentine,  two  ounces ; 

Flowers  of  sulphur,  four  ounces ; 

Sulphur  vivum,  two  ounces. 


O 


158 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


The  following  drink  will,  by  promoting  the  suspend^ 
ed  secretions,  very  much  accelerate  the  cure. 

RECIPE  No.  74. 


Carraway  seeds,  in  powder,  two  ounces ; 

Aniseeds,  ditto,  two  ounces ; 

Grains  of  paradise,  ditto,  one  ounce  ; 

Nitre,  ditto,  one  ounce ; 

Flowers  of  sulphur,  two  ounces  ; 

X)rude  antimony,  in  fine  powder,  half  an  oz.; 

Treacle,  four  table-spoonsful. 

• Mix  it  in  a quart  of  warm  ale,  and  give  it  at  one  dose. 

If  the  disease  be  of  an  inveterate  nature,  this  dose 
must  be  repeated. 

Warbles^  JVormSy  Sfc. 


Are  small  tumours,  which,  in  the  spring  of  the  year, 
and  in  summer,  appear  in  various  parts  of  the  body  of 
neat  cattle.  They  are  occasioned  by  the  bite  of  a gad- 
fly, which  punctures  a small  hole  in  the  back  of  horned 
cattle,  and  therein  deposits  its  eggs.  These,  being 
speedily  hatched  by  the  heat  of  the  animal’s  body,  a 
small  tumour  arises,  containing  a grub,  or  maggot, 
which  inflames  the  part,  and  thereby  causes  matter  to 
form.  In  process  of  time,  this  abscess  bursts,  and  dis- 
charges the  maggot,  which  now  soon  becomes  a fly ; 
that,  in  due  time,  deposits  its  eggs  on  the  skin  of  the 
animal,  like  its  parent. 

Cure. — The  usual  way  of  curing  the  warbles,  is  to 
pull  of  the  scab  that  covers  the  tumour ; and  pour  a 
few  drops  of  black  oil,  made  according  to  tlie  following 
directions,  into  the  wound : or  where  this  is  not  in  rea« 
diness,  a little  spirits  of  turpentine  may  be  applied. 


RECIPE  No,  75. 

Yellow  batilicon  ointment,  four  ounces ; 
Spirits  of  turpentine,  one  ounce  j 

Oil  of  vitriol,  half  a dram. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


159 


First  mix  the  ointment  and  turpentine  together,  and  afterwards 
add,  by  a littlo  at  a time,  the  oil  of  vitriol;  keeping  it  constantly 
stirred  until  well  incorporated.  It  is  then  fit  for  use. 

Cancerous  Ulcers^ 

Appear  chiefly  on  the  glandular  parts  of  the  body ; but 
those  on  the  cheeks,  eye-lids,  and  on  the  glands  be- 
tween the  jaw-bones,  are  the  most  difficult  to  heal  of 
all  the  ulcers  to  which  neat  cattle  are  liable ; indeed, 
some  of  them  baffle  all  the  powers  of  medicine. 

Symptoms. — These  ulcers  make  their  first  appear- 
ance in  a hard  tumour,  seated  in  some  glandulous  parts 
of  the  body.  Some  of  these  are  moveable;  others, 
fixed : some  are  inflamed,  and  quickly  break  out,  and 
discharge  a thin  acrid  matter ; others  discharge  a thin 
yellow  matter,  and  the  wounds  are  apt  to  fill  up  with 
fungous,  or  proud  flesh. 

Remedy. — The  curative  process  depends  much  on 
the  part  of  the  glands  where  the  ulcer  is  seated.  There 
are  some  parts  which  will  admit  of  a total  extirpation  ; 
which  may  be  done  with  a suitable  knife,  or,  if  prefer- 
red, by  actual  cautery.  When  the  wound  is  thoroughly 
cleansed  from  all  extraneous  matter,  let  it  be  touched 
all  over  with  lunar  caustic,  or  sprinkled  with  red  pre- 
cipitate ; and  afterwards  dress  it  with  the  following  : 

RECIPE  No.  76. 

Egyptiacum,  two  ounces  ; 

Compound  tincture  of  myrrh,  one  ounce ; 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  one  ounce ; 

Sublimate,  finely  powdered,  one  dram  ; 

Spirit  of  salt,  four  drams. 

Mix,  and  keep  it  in  a bottle  for  use. 

Dress  the  wound  with  small  pledgets  of  lint  or  tow, 
dipped  in  the  above  mixture,  once  a day : and  if  any 
superfluous  flesh  appear,  keep  it  down  with  caustic ; 


160 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


or  before  dressing,  sprinkle  the  wound  all  over  with 
blue  vitriol. 

When  the  wound  has  been  well  cleansed,  aud  the 
acrid  discharge  has  stopped,  make  a fresh  ointment  as 
follows : 

RJECIPE  No.  77. 

Yellow  basilicon  ointment,  four  ounces  ; 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  one  ounce. 

MU,  and  keep  it  in  a pot  for  use. 


With  a wooden  spatula  well  mix  one  pari  of  this  lina- 
ment,  (No.  77,)  with  two  parts  of  the  ointment  No.  76 : 
and  with  this  mixture  dress  the  wound  once  or  twice  a 
day  till  healed. 

A purgative  medicine  occasionally  administered,  will 
hasten  the  cure,  as  by  that  means,  the  quantity  of  blood 
determined  to  the  affected  part  will  be  purified  and 
lessened,  and  the  ointment  dressing  will  then  act  more 
powerfully  on  the  wound.  No.  71  is  a very  useful  re* 
cipe  for  this  purpose, 

jingle  Berries^  or  Worts. 

Young  heifers,  or  cow-calves  of  the  first  or  second 
years,  are  most  subject  tp  these  excrescences,  which 
are  cutaneous  eruptions,  or  tumours,  growing  out  above 
the  surface  of  the  skin,  in  various  parts  of  the  body, 
and  have  a very  disagreeable  appearance. 

When  they  proceed  from  the  udder,  they  are  not 
only  disagreeable,  but  ultimately  cause  the  cow  to  be 
very  troublesome  to  milk.  They  rise  from  a small 
base,  and  hang  in  a pendulous  form.  Some  farmers  tie 
a string  tightly  round  the  base,  close  to  the  skin,  and 
thus  suffer  them  to  rot  off  of  themselves  : others  secure 
them  with  a strong  binding  of  twine,  and  then  cut  them 
off  with  a sharp  knife,  afterwards  dressing  the  wound 
with  oil  of  vitriol.  If,  however,  they  are  attended  to 
in  time,  which  is  by  far  the  best  plan,  they  may  be  de* 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


161 


stroyed  by  touching  them  a few  times  with  the  end  of 
a thick  stick  dipped  in  strong  aqua  fortis,  or,  as  it  is 
termed  by  the  chemists,  nitric  acid. 

Sore  Teats. 

Some  cows  are  very  subject  to  sore  teats,  particu- 
larly such  as  have  newly  calved ; if  this  be  the  case  in 
summer,  they  often  become  ulcerated,  and  the  flies 
plague  them  to  a degree  which  renders  them  extremely 
diflicult  to  milk  : it  is  also  a great  nuisance  at  the  time 
of  milking,  as  blood  and  corrupt  matter  are  apt  to  pass 
between  the  fingers  into  the  milk. 

The  following  linament  is  very  useful  for  anointing  sore 
teats,  and  should  always  be  kept  in  readiness  for  use: 

RECIPE  No.  78. 

Ointment  of  elder,  four  ounces; 

Yellow  basilicon  ointment,  four  o^unces ; 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  one  ounce, 

Mix,  and  well  incorporate  them  together  on  a slab,  and  it  is  fit  for 

use. 

With  this  ointment  you  may  well  rub  the  cow’s  teats 
every  night  and  morning,  after  milking.  If  in  the  sum- 
mer, and  the  flies  be  troublesome,  add  one  ounce  of 
assafoetida,  or  aloes,  in  powder,  and  dissolve  it  along 
with  the  ointment.  This  will  prevent  the  flies  from 
teazing  the  animal. 

If  the  teats  be  tender,  only,  and  not  sore,  a little 
gentle  rubbing  with  weak  salt  and  water  will,  in  gene- 
ral, be  sufficient, 


Lice  in  Cattle^ 

Are  troublesome,  and  in  their  effects  cause  the  animal 
to  be  poor  in  flesh  and  appearance.  One  or  two  wash- 
ings with  the  following  lotion,  applied  with  a sponge, 
at  an  interval  of  five  or  six  days,  will  generally  remove 
those  troublesome  visitors : 

o 2 


162 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


. RECIPE  No,  79, 

Stavesacre,  four  ounces ; 

Tobacco,  cut  small,  one  ounce  ; 

Urine,  two  quarts. 

Boil  it  till  reduced  one-third  in  quantity,  and  when  cool  it  is  fit  for 
use. 

If  this  do  not  effectually  succeed,  dust  common  Scotch 
snuff  on  the  animal,  and  when  a cure  is  effected,  give 
it  a good  rubbing  with  a whip  of  straw. 


ZaiSOEIiIiANEOUS  RECEIXPTS. 


Poisons 

Proceed  from  various  causes,  mostly  during  the  sum- 
mer season,  and  generally  from  eating  some  poisonous 
vegetables,  as  the  yew-tree,  hemlock,  the  several  kinds 
of  crowsfoot,  or  drinking  stagnated  water,  swarming 
with  a great  variety  of  insects,  manj-  of  which  are  of  a 
very  hurtful  nature. 

Symptoms. — A violent  pain  and  sickness  of  the  sto- 
mach ; the  body  frequently  swells  to  a prodigious  size, 
attended  with  giddiness  and  stupidity  ; eating  tha  yew- 
tree  will  sometimes  induce  madness ; bat  from  what- 
ever source  the  poison  may  have  been  taken,  it  gene- 
rally proves  fatal  in  a short  time,  if  suitable  remedies 
are  not  promptly  made  use  of. 

Cure. — As  soon  as  you  suspect  any  of  your  animals  to 
be  poisoned,  bleed  it  freely,  and  administer  the  drink. 
No.  71,  with  the  addition  of  one  ounce  of  salt  of  tartar. 
If  the  body  swell  much,  have  recourse  to  the  probang, 
as  recommended  for  the  cure  of  cattle,  when  hoven,  or 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


163 


blown.  This  will  give  instant  relief,  by  giving  vent  to 
the  foul  air;. particularly  if  the  poison  proceed  from 
eating  any  vegetable  production. 

It  will  also  be  generally  necessary  to  add  to  the  pre- 
ceding treatment  the  following  drink,  to  neutralise  the 
effects  of  the  poison.  A clyster  is  also  useful  in  rentov^ 
ing  any  obstruction  in  the  bowels, 

RECIPE  No.  80. 

Prepared  kali,  (or  salt  of  tartar,)  one  ounce  ; 

Castor  oil,  (or  olive  oil,)  four  ounces ; 

Tincture  of  opium,  half  an  ounce. 

Mix,  and  give  it  in  a quart  of  warm  gruel : 

If  it  should  be  found  necessary,  this  may  be  repeated, 
daily,  until  the  animal  be  relieved. 

Bite  of  Venemous  Reptiles. 

Neat  cattle  are  more  liable  to  be  stung  by  vipers  or 
adders  than  any  other  domestic  animals,  and  their  bite 
is  sometimes  attended  with  dangerous  consequences. — 
Indeed  instances  have  been  known  of  their  proving 
mortal.  The  stings  of  several  insects  are  also  attended 
with  considerable  pain  and  inflammation ; and,  although 
not  so  serious  in  their  results,  require  a similar  treat- 
ment. 

Cure, — Well  rub  the  parts  affected  with  the  follow- 
ing linament  two  or  three  times  a day,  until  the  inflam- 
mation and  swelling  abate, 

RECIPE  No.  81. 

Olive  oil,  half  a pint ; 

Strong  spirits  of  hartshorn,  four  ounces  ; 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  four  ounces  ; 

Mix  them  w^ell  together  by  shaking  in  a bottle,  and  shake  them  well 
‘ every  time  they  are  used. 

In  some  cases  that  are  more  dangerous  than  others, 
the  parts  affected,  particularly  about  the  head,  should 


164 


faruer’s  aitd  grazier’s 


be  fomented  two  or  three  times  a day  with  the  follow- 
ing fomentation,  or  with  warm  water : 

RECIPE  No.  82. 

Bruised  white  poppy  heads,  eight  ounces  ; 

Camomile  flowers,  four  ounces  : 

Boil  these  a short  time  in  about  two  gallons  of  water,  and  then 

strain  it  off  for  use. 

Let  the  fomentation  be  quite  warm ; and  after  using 
it  rub  in  the  linament  .described  in  recipe  No.  81. 

If  any  feverish  symptoms  appear,  (as  will  be  the  case 
in  warm  weather,)  take  from  the  animal  two  or  three 
quarts  of  blood,  and,  a few  hours  after,  give  the  purging 
draught,  No.  71.  And  if  the  animal  appear  weak  or 
much  reduced  by  bleeding  or  purging,  give  it  the  cor- 
dial drink,  No.  39,  and  if  an  ounce  of  strong  spirits  of 
hartshorn  be  added  to  the  cordial  drink,  it  will  be  the 
better. 

Bull  Burnt. 

This  is  a local  disease,  evidently  of  a venereal  na- 
ture, affecting  the  sheath  and  penis  or  yard  of  the  bull ; 
the  parts  becoming  swollen,  tender,  and  full  of  small 
ulcers;  there  is  also  a discharge  of  matter  from  the 
yard,  and  the  animal  in  staling  seems  to  suffer  consi- 
derable pain.  If  while  in  this  state  the  bull  have  aecess 
to  the  cows,  he  will  communicate  the  disease,  the  vagina 
and  shape  of  the  cow  will  soon  be  affected,  the  parts 
will  inflame  and  swell,  and  a discharge  of  disagreeable, 
ichorous  matter  will  take  place. 

Cure. — The  most  eflectual  way  of  curing  this  disease 
in  the  bull,  is  to  throw  him  down,  and  turn  him  on  his 
back,  with  his  belly  upwards.  Take  a linen  cloth,  fold 
it  round  his  yard,  and  gently  draw  it  out  of  his  sheath, 
so  that  you  can  bathe  and  wash  all  the  ulcerated  parts 
with  the  following  lotion : 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


165 


RECIPE  No.  83. 

Goulard’s  extract  of  lead,  two  ounces  ; 

Camphorated  spirits  of  wine,  two  ounces  ; 

Rain,  or  soft  water,  half  a pint : 

Mix,  and  keep  it  in  a bottle  for  use. 

Take  care  that  in  every  dressing,  which  should  be 
done  at  least  twice  a week,  every  part  is  properly 
bathed  with  the  mixture.  Of  course  he  must  be  kept 
from  the  cows  till  well. 

If  the  disease  should  have  been  some  time  on  the 
bull,  it  will  be  necessary  to  use  a more  powerful  mix- 
ture ; as  the  following : 

RECIPE  No.  84. 

Sugar  of  lead,  white  vitriol,  blue  vitriol,  and 

bole  arinenic,  of  each,  half  an  ounce ; 

Boiling  water,  one  pint: 

Mix,  and  shake  it  well ; and  when  new  milk  warm,  put  it  into  a 

bottle  for  use. 

This  is  a powerful  lotion — too  strong,  indeed,  to  be 
used  as  a first  application;  it  may,  however,  be  used 
afterwards  with  perfect  safety.  As  the  bull  gets  bet- 
ter, give  him  a cooling  purging  draught,  as  No.  71,  once 
a week,  and  repeat  it  two  or  three  times. 

To  cure  the  cow. — The  lotion.  No.  83,  is  quite  strong 
enough — No.  84  is  much  too  powerful.  Bathe  the  in- 
fected parts  with  a linen  rag  soaked  in  the  lotion,  and 
folding  it  round  the  finger,  introduce  it  thus  up  the  va- 
gina ; or  it  may  be  injected  by  a syringe. — Give  her 
also  the  cooling  purging  draught, — A.  few  weeks  is  ge- 
nerally sufficient  for  the  cure. 

The  Cow-Pock^ 

Is  a disease,  similar  in  some  respects  to  the  grease  in 
horses’  heels : it  proceeds  gradually  to  maturity,  and 
then  declines  and  dies  away. 


166 


PARMER^  AND  GRAZIER^S 


Symptoms. — The  eyes  of  the  animal  appear  heavy 
and  dull,  and  the  milky  secretions  are  considerably 
lessened : the  beast  moans,  and  wanders  about  by  itself : 
irregular  pustules  appear  on  the  nipples  of  the  udder ; 
which,  at  first,  are  commonly  of  a palish  blue,  or  rather 
approaching  to  a livid  colour,  and  surrounded  by  in- 
flammatory appearances. 

Cure. — When  the  disease  is  first  observed,  a cordial 
drink,  as  No.  39,  or  40,  should  be  given  to  warm  and 
stimulate  the  stomach  and  invigorate  the  system,  by 
which  nature  will  be  the  better  enabled  to  repel  the 
disease. — If  feverish  symptoms  appeeu*,  give  the  purg- 
ing drink  No.  71,  to  cleanse  the  body  and  check  the 
fever.  The  teats  and  udder  may  be  well  rubbed  twice 
a day,  after  milking,  with  the  following  lotion,  which 
is  very  serviceable  for  sore  teats,  from  whatever  cause 
they  may  proceed. 

RECIPE  No.  85. 

Crude  sal-ammonia,  powdered,  half  an  ounce  ; 

Wine  vinegar,  half  a pint ; 

Camphorated  spirits  of  wine  ; two  ounces ; 

Goulard’s  extract  of  lead,  one  ounce  ; 

Mix,  and  keep  them  in  a bottle  for  use. 

To  dry  a Cow  of  her  Milk. 

When  a cow  is  destined  for  the  shambles,  it  is  neces- 
sary to  dry  her  of  her  milk.  To  do  this,  requires  care, 
more  so  in  some  cows  than  others,  particularly  those 
who  give  the  largest  quantity  of  milk,  or  are  of  a gross 
habit  of  body ; as  without  both  care  and  management, 
these  will  be  liable  to  the  downfal,  either  in  the  udder 
or  foot,  or  it  may  terminate  in  some  inflammatory  dis- 
order. It  is  a subject,  therefore,  with  which  every 
farmer  and  grazier  ought  to  be  well  acquainted. 

Cows  that  are  apt  to  milk  themselves,  are  difficult  to 
dry : such  should  therefore  be  dried  early  in  the  spring, 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


167 


while  at  dry  meat ; others  may  be  dried,  either  in  the 
pasture,  or  in  any  other  place.  Cows  that  feed  in  the 
pasture,  and  give  a considerable  quantity  of  milk,  par- 
ticularly if  in  good  condition,  ought  to  be  put  into  a 
fold-yard  over  night,  and  from  three  to  four  quarts  of 
blood  taken  from  each.  The  next  morning,  give  the 
following  drink. — 

RECIPE  No.  86. 

Powdered  roach-alum,  seven  ounces ; 

Bole  armenic,  powdered,  two  ounces  ; 

Mix  these  in  a pitcher,  and  pour  upon  them  three  half  pints  of  boil- 
ing ale  ; add  a pint  of  good  vinegar,  and  give  it  when  new  milk 
warm. 

Milk  the  cow  clean,  then  give  the  above  drink  im- 
mediately, and  turn  her  into  a bare  pasture : about 
four  days  afterwards,  if  her  udder  appear  hard  and  full, 
fetch  her  up,  milk  her  clean,  and  repeat  the  draught 
No.  86. 

This  is  generally  sufficient  to  dry  a cow  of  her  milk ; 
but  as  some  give  so  much,  as  to  be  difficult  to  dry,  it 
will  in  such  cases  be  necessary  to  repeat  the  drink 
every  third  or  fourth  day  until  the  effect  be  produced. 
In  other  cases,  it  will  be  as  well,  occasionally,  to  sub- 
stitute the  following  drink,  in  lieu  of  the  former : it  is 
equally  efficacious,  and,  under  some  circumstances, 
much  more  so. 


RECIPE  No.  87. 

Red  wine  tartar,  in  powder,  one  pound  ; 

Treacle,  four  table  spoonsful. 

Put  them  in  a pitcher,  and  put  three  pints  of  boiling  water  on  them  : 
stir  the  whole  together,  and  give  it  when  of  the  warmth  of  new 
milk. 


Concluding  Remarks. 

We  have  thus  given  the  causes,  symptoms,  and  mC' 


168 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


thods  of  curing  the  most  serious  and  most  prevalent  dis- 
eases to  which  neat  cattle  are  subject.  In  many  in- 
stances, however,  disease  may  be  arrested  in  its  earliest 
stage ; and,  by  prompt  attention,  prevented  from  ex- 
tending. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


169 


OF  THE 

SEI.ECTXON  AND  MANAGEMEiNT 

OF  SHEEP. 

The  structure,  habits,  and  diseases  of  sheep  so  near- 
ly resemble  that  of  neat  cattle,  that  whatever  we  have 
said  of  the  one,  will  apply  equally  to  the  other : the 
same  care  should  be  used  in  the  selection  of  sheep  for 
stock,  as  was  directed  in  the  choice  of  cattle  ; a similar 
treatment  should  be  observed,  with  respect  to  the  land 
upon  which  it  is  intended  to  feed  them ; and  an  equal 
care  exerted  to  apportion  and  vary  their  food,  in  such 
manner  as  to  prevent  the  disorders  which  arise  from 
repletion,  as  w^ell  as  those  which  result  from  stinted  or 
bad  food. 

The  diseases  which  prove  most  fatal  to  sheep,  com- 
mit the  greatest  ravages  among  those  in  the  best  con- 
dition, either  in  the  spring,  or  at  the  latter  end  of  the 
year,^  when  the  season  is  unusually  wet  or  changeable ; 
and  those  sheep  which  have  been  principally  fed  upon 
turnips,  are  most  subject  to  their  attacks. 

Like  neat  cattle,  they  are  very  subject  to  a plethoric 
habit,  or  fulness  of  blood ; it  is  therefore  very  danger- 
ous to  change  the  pasturage  of  sheep  from  a bare  to  a 
more  luxuriant  pasturage,  except  hy  slow  degrees. 

Low  grounds,  or  woodland  pastures,  where  the  air 
is  moist,  especially  in  wet  seasons,  are  unfavourable  to 
the  health  of  sheep.  In  wet  seasons,  they  should  be 
kept  in  the  highest  and  driest  lands ; for  a dry  air  is 
peculiarly  congenial  to  the  healthy  condition  of  these 
animals. 

When  disease  attacks  your  flock,  endeavour  to  as- 
certain the  cause  or  causes  which  produced  it ; whether 
it  arises  from  plethora,  or  redundancy  of  blood  in  the 
system  ; infection  ; improper  feeding ; humidity  of  the 

p 


170 


farmer’s  and  grazier^s 


air ; or  extreme  heat  or  cold : this  being  discovered, 
you  can  the  more  readily  apply  the  most  proper  reme- 
dies, and  materially  lessen  the  violence  of  the  disease. 
This  plan  will  also  enable  you  the  better  to  prevent  its 
recurrence. 

The  best  way  of  obtaining  information,  is,  when  any 
of  your  animals  drop,  to  open  it,  or  get  it  opened,  in  or- 
der to  find  out  the  nature  and  seat  of  the  complaint ; 
by  which  means,  the  shepherd,  in  future,  will  be  the 
more  readily  enabled  to  put  a stop  to  the  fatality  of  the 
disease. 

Most  of  the  diseases  to  which  sheep  are  subject,  are, 
as  we  have  observed,  similar  to  those  of  neat  cattle, 
and  require  a very  similar  treatment : generally  speak- 
ing, also,  the  same  medicine  may  be  administered  to  the 
one  animal  as  are  directed  for  the  same  complaints  in 
the  other,  but  in  less  quantity;  a sixth  part  of  the 
quantity  given  to  neat  cattle,  being  a fair  proportion 
for  sheep. 

The  quantity  of  blood  proper  to  be  taken  from  a 
sheep,  must  depend  upon  the  habit  of  the  animal,  and 
nature  of  the  disease : from  eight  ounces  to  a pint  be- 
ing generally  sufficient : but  in  plethoric  or  inflamma- 
tory disorders,  a pint  and  a half,  and  even  a quart,  will 
not  be  too  much.  When  it  is  necessary  to  repeat  bleed- 
ing in  sheep,  it  will  be  best  to  reduce  the  quantity  taken 
each  time.  Three  or  four  ounces  is  usually  found  suf- 
ficient to  be  taken  from  a young  lamb. 

Sheep  and  lambs  are  sometimes  bled  in  the  vein,  be- 
low the  eye,  and  in  the  nose : this  may,  perhaps,  be 
the  best,  where  the  complaint  affects  the  head  of  the 
animal ; but  where  it  is  necessary  to  relieve  or  reduce 
the  system,  it  is  much  better  to  bleed  them  in  the  neck, 
as  neat  cattle  usually  are.  The  blood  should  be  caught 
in  a basin,  that  the  proper  quantity  may  be  readily  as- 
certained. 

The  diseases  of  young  lambs  are  most  frequently 
owing  to  want  of  proper  support,  improper  diet,  or  un- 
due exposure  to  wet  or  cold  weather,  which  debilitates 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


171 


the  animal  system,  and  induces  frequent  and  severe 
colds. 

We  need  not  here  repeat  what  we  have  said  of  the 
choice  and  management  of  neat  cattle,  being  equally 
applicable  to  sheep ; but  a summary  of  the  principal 
directions  will  be  certainly  useful. 

In  purchasing  sheep,  select  those  reared  from  the 
healthiest  and  best  stocks. 

Choose  those  in  preference  which  have  been  fed  up- 
on poorer  or  barer  pastures  than  your  own : but  be 
careful  not  to  place  them  at  once  upon  land  much 
superior  to  that  to  which  they  have  been  accustomed. 

In  very  wet  weather,  they  should  be  sheltered,  parti- 
cularly in  the  night,  and  a little  good  dry  hay  given 
them ; and  in  snowy  weather,  or  severe  winters,  they 
should  be  housed,  and  properly  tended  and  fed. 

In  all  cases  where  disease  attacks  them,  be  prompt 
in  ascertaining  the  cause,  and  ready  in  administering 
the  proper  remedies  ; as  many  of  the  diseases  of  sheep 
begin  and  terminate  in  a few  hours. 

Of  the  Lambing  Season. 

This  period  must  of  course  depend  on  the  time  when 
the  ram  is  put  to  the  ewes ; but,  generally,  the  latter 
end  of  February,  or  beginning  of  March,  is,  considered 
the  best  time  ; as  the  lambs  then  produced,  if  properly 
reared  and  tended,  are  much  the  strongest.  Still  this 
is  often  an  inclement  season  both  for  the  ewe  and  the 
lambs,  especially  if  they  have  been  badly  kept  before 
yeaning.  The  consequence  is,  a severe  loss  is  often 
sustained  both  among  the  ewes  and  their  offspring. 

Should  the  dam  not  have  had  sufficient  support  for 
herself,  the  lamb  will  necessarily  be  poor  and  weakly 
at  the  time  it  is  yeaned.  It  is  therefore  essential,  that 
every  care  should  be  paid  to  these  animals,  which  na- 


172 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


ture  and  the  season  of  the  year  may  render  necessary. 
About  six  weeks  before  lambing,  the  ewe  should  be 
supplied  with  plenty  of  good  food,  in  order  that  nature 
may  provide  for  the  offspring  at  the  appointed  time.  If 
attention  be  paid  to  these  particulars,  the  health  and 
strength  of  the  parent  animal  will  be  ensured,  and  it 
will  be  the  better  enabled  to  go  through  the  difficulty 
of  parturition ; the  lamb,  also,  will  be  in  better  condi- 
tion, and  more  likely  to  survive  any  severity  of  season 
which  may  follow. 

Every  person  who  would  be  successful  in  rearing 
sheep,  must  be  provided  with  a fold-yard,  suitable  for 
the  purpose ; this  may  consist  of  a small  plot  of  ground, 
well  protected  from  the  north-east  and  westerly  winds, 
with  a suitable  shed  and  a fire-place  in  it,  and  other  con- 
veniences for  the  purpose.  Thus  the  shepherd  will  be 
able  to  attend  them  at  all  hours  of  the  night,  to  give 
his  assistance  when  required,  and  to  take  all  needful 
care  of  them. 

It  often  happens,  during  the  lambing  season,  that 
ewes  are  severely  handled,  through  the  largeness  of  the 
lambs,  or  their  being  in  a wrong  position,  so  as  to  bruise 
or  tear  the  parts  through  which  they  pass.  It  will  be 
necessary  to  have  in  readiness,  for  use  at  these  times, 
the  following  oils : 


RECIPE  No  88. 


Venice  turpentine,  two  ounces; 

Barbadoes  tar,  two  ounces ; 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  quarter  of  a pint; 

.Linseed  oil,  half  a pint ; 

Mix  them  well  together ; then  add  the  following, 

Mel-Egyptiacum,  one  ounce ; 

Oil  of  vitriol,  quarter  of  an  oz. 

Aquafortis,  quarter  of  an  oz< 

Mix  these  together  ; then  add. 


Tincture  of  myrrh,  quarter  of  a pint  : 

Shake  the  whole  well  together,  and  pul  them  into  a bottle  for 
use. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


173 


Whenever  it  is  necessary  to  use  these  oils,  let  the 
bottle  be  well  shaken,  and  convey  one  or  two  table- 
spoonsful  into  the  vagina,  or  sheath,  either  by  the  hand, 
or  with  a spoon.  They  warm  or  stimulate  the  parts 
affected,  and  prevent  or  cure  the  gangrene  or  mortifi- 
cation in  those  parts,  as  well  as  in  other  fresh  wounds. 

When  ewes  are  injured  by  a difficult  parturition,  the 
following  drink  will  prove  of  excellent  service : 

RECIPE  No.  89. 

Peruvian  bark,  powdered,  one  dram  ; 

Ginger,  ditto,  one  dram ; 

Mix  them  in  half  a pint  of  warm  grueJ,  and  add 

Treacle,  two  spoonsful  ; 

Brandy,  . one  table-spoonful : 

Mix,  and  give  it  new-railk  warm. 

It  is  frequently  necessary  to  repeat  this  drink  once 
or  twice  a day,  where  the  animals  have  received  much 
injury,  or  where  they  have  been  reduced  by  indifferent 
or  scanty  keep  before  the  lambing  season.  In  every 
case,  where  nature  appears  to  be  in  a languid  and  de- 
bilitated state,  these  powders  are  unequalled  for  their 
restorative  quality. 

The  gruel  necessary  to  be  given  to  ewes  at  the  time 
of  lambing,  should  be  made  as  follows : 

RECIPE  No.  90. 

Linseed,  fresh  powdered,  half  a pound  ; 

Oatmeal,  one  pound ; 

Boil  a sufficient  quantity  of  this  mixture  in  water,  as  if  made  of 

oatmeal  only  ; then  add 

Gin,  or  brandy,  one  tea-spoonful ; 

Sugar,  one  tea-spoonful. 

This  will  give  excellent  support  to  the  animals,  and 
will  nourish  and  heal  their  insides,  through  the  richness 
of  the  linseed  in  combination  with  the  oatmeal.  About 

2 p 


174 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


half  a pint,  to  a pint,  of  this  gruel,  may  be  given  at  the 
time,  and  repeated  twice  in  the  day,  if  necessary. 

If  the  ewe  be  deficient  in  milk,  (a  circumstance 
which  occasionally  happens  at  the  time  of  lambing,  for 
want  of  better  support,)  let  the  following  drink  be  giv- 
en, which  will  be  found  greatly  to  assist  the  secretion 
of  that  fluid, 

JIECIPE  No.  91. 

Aniseeds,  sweet  fennel  seeds, 
carraway-seeds,  and  grains  of 
paradise,  fresh  powdered,  each,  one  dram, 

Mix,  and  give  it  in  half  a pint  of  warm  gruel. 

This  drink  acts  as  a cordial,  and  powerfully  pro- 
motes the  milky  secretions,  at  the  same  time  it  warms 
and  stimulates  the  stomachs  and  intestines.  But  to  in- 
sure success,  take  care  the  ingredients  are  all  fresh  and 
good.  Never  buy  seeds  in  powder,  but  always  pound 
them  yourself. 

Of  the  Diseases  to  which  Lambs  are  subject. 

Lambs  are  in  their  infancy  subject  to  a variety  of 
diseases,  arising  either  from  them  or  their  dams  being 
insufliciently  kept,  or  from  the  cold  or  damp  state  of 
the  weather. 

If  the  weak  state  of  the  lambs  proceed  from  poor 
keeping,  support  must  be  given  them ; this  may  be  done 
either  by  putting  them  to  suck  other  and  stronger 
ewes,  or  by  giving  them  cow’s  new  milk,  warm  as  it 
comes  from  the  animal:  but  if  the  complaint  arise 
from  cold  or  damp  weather,  in  addition  to  the  warm 
milk,  the  drink  No.  92  should  be  given  as  afterward? 
directed,  and  the  lamb  should,  with  its  dam,  be  housed 
and  carefully  nursed. 

Sometimes,  though  rarely,  the  ewe  has  too  much 
milk ; when  this  is  the  case,  it  is  apt  to  coagulate  and 
form  into  a hard  substance  in  the  maw,  by  which  ma-. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


175 


ny  of  the  best  lambs  are  frequently  carried  off — This 
is  similar  to  the  cords  in  calves,  (see  page  83)  and 
may  be  arrested  by  a similar  treatment. — With  re- 
spect to  the  quantity  of  medicine  to  be  given,  a fifth 
or  sixth  part  of  that  directed  for  the  calf,  may  be  safely 
administered  to  the  lamb. 

Diarrhoea^  or  excessive  Looseness  in  Lambs^ 

Is  a destructive  malady,  and  most  fatal  to  lambs  un- 
der a week  old  : it  often  seizes  them  at  about  twenty- 
four  hours  old,  and  carries  them  off  in  six  hours  after; 
it  mo^ly,  however,  lasts  two  days,  in  which  time  it 
kills  five  out  of  six  that  are  attacked  with  it,  except 
proper  remedies  are  administered  at  its  very  outset. 

Symptoms, — This  disorder  commences  with  frequent 
purging,  and  severe  griping  pains;  and  the  lamb  is  ge- 
nerally much  blown  up  on  its  attack,  from  wind  in  the 
stomach  and  intestines ; if  no  relief  be  given,  the  dis- 
ease becomes  stationary,  and  the  stools  are  attended 
with  a copious  ejection  of  the  mucus  of  the  intestines, 
together  with  a griping  pain,  while  the  animal  pines 
rapidly  away. 

Remedy, — The  cause  from  whence  the  complaint 
originated,  must  be  ascertained,  if  possible.  If  it  pro- 
ceeded from  cold,  or  want  of  proper  support,  new  milk 
warm  from  the  cow  should  be  given,  the  lamb  should 
be  kept  warm,  and  the  following  drink  administered : 


RECIPE  No.  92. 


twelve  grains ; 
two  scruples  ; 
one  scruple  : 


Dover’s  powders, 

Compound  cinnamon  powder. 
Prepared  chalk, 


Mix,  and  give  it  in  a little  warm  new  milk,  thickened  with  starch 
to  the  consistence  of  gruel. 


If  the  ewe’s  milk  seems  to  disagree  with  the  lamb,  it 


176 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


will  be  proper  to  change  her  diet,  and,  in  some  cases,  to 
feed  the  lamb  altogether  on  cow’s  new  milk,  warm ; not 
neglecting,  however,  to  milk  the  ewe.  The  ewe  should 
be  also  purged  once  or  twice  by  giving  the  following : 

RECIPE  No.  93. 

Epsom  salts,  two  ounces ; 

Elixir  of  vitriol,  a small  tea-spoonful ; 

Mix  the  salts  in  a small  quantity  of  water  ; then  add  the  elixir,  and 
give  it. 

The  drink  No.  92,  is  proper  for  a lamb  of  from  twen- 
ty-four hours  to  a week  or  two  old ; it  should  be  repeat- 
ed every  three  or  four  hours,  until  the* symptoms-  be 
greatly  abated,  and  then,  should  the  diarrhoea  continue, 
once  a day  will  be  sufficient. 

After  giving  one  or  two  of  the  above  drinks,  it  is  of- 
ten of  great  use  in  severe  cases,  to  add  two  or  from  that 
to  four  grains  of  calomel  to  it,  and  repeat  this  every 
day  for  two  or  three  times;  or  a table-spoon  half  filed 
with  castor  oil  may  be  given  with  the  drink. 

A strong  lamb,  six  weeks  or  two  months  old,  will  re- 
quire the  following,  instead  of  No.  92. 

RECIPE  No.  94. 

Dover’s  powders,  half  a dram  ; 

Compound  cinnamon  powder,  one  dram  ; 

Prepared  chalk,  two  scruples,  to  one  dram. 

At  this  age,  however,  the  diarrhoea  is  commonly  not  so  fatal ; and, 
if  taken  in  time,  will  generally  yield  to  the  following  draught — . 

RECIPE  No.  95. 

Castor  oil,  one  table-spoonful ; 

Laudanum,  forty  to  sixty  drops. 

Mix  in  a little  warm  weak  gin  and  water,  and  give  it. 

When  diarrhoea  attacks  lambs  that  are  weaned,  and 
from  that  time  to  six  or  seven  months  old,  it  mostly  ari- 
ses from  the  nature  of  their  food,  or  from  taking  cold. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


177 


A change  of  pasture  will  often  in  this  case,  prove  a 
remedy  : Mr.  Clayton,  in  his  treatise  on  the  diseases  of 
cattle,  says,  he  knew  frequently  that  when  lambs  of 
this  age,  afflicted  with  diarrhoea,  were  removed  into  a 
stubble  corn-field,  this  at  once  put  a stop  to  the  over- 
purging. To  animals  of  this  age,  the”  following  cordial 
drink  may  be  occasionally  administered  with  advan- 
tage : 

RECIPE  No.  96. 

Prepared  chalk,  ei/2fht  ounces  ; 

Aniseeds,  fresh  powdered,  one  ounce  ; 

Carraway-seeds,  powdered,  one  ounce  ; 

Ginger,  fresh  powdered,  one  ounce. 

Mix  the  ingredients  well  together  in  a mortar,  and  once  or  twice  a 
day  mix  a small  table-spoonful  of  the  mixture  in  a little  warm 
milk,  thickened  with  flour  or  starch  ; give  it,  together  with  forty 
drops  of  laudanum  ; and  in  obstinate  cases,  repeat  the  dose  again 
in  the  same  day.  By  a careful  adherence  to  this  simple  treat- 
ment, a speedy  cure  may  be  generally  expected. 

Costiveness  in  Lambs^ 

Is  mostly  accompanied  with  slight  symptoms  of  fe- 
ver ; the  lamb  appears  dull  and  heavy,  and  eats  little ; 
after  its  recovery,  the  wool  generally  comes  oflF. 

Remedy, — The  cure  is  easy  and  simple;  give  the 
lamb  from  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce,  according  to  its 
age,  of  Epsom  salts,  dissolved  in  a little  water  ; or  a ta- 
ble-spoonful or  two  of  castor-oil,  which  the  shepherd 
should  always  have  by  him.  If  the  lamb  be  much  af- 
fected, bleeding  will  be  proper.  Should  it  not  take  suf- 
ficient support,  give  it  warm  water-gruel,  which  will 
not  only  nourish  it,  but  cool  the  body,  and  moderately 
relax  the  bowels. 

Staggers  in  Lambs. 

This  disorder  attacks  the  most  thriving,  and  often 


178 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


proves  fatal,  especially  to  those  about  three  or  four 
months  old. 

Symptoms. — The  lamb  is  giddy,  falls  down,  and  in 
general  cannot  rise  again  without  help,  or  until  it  is  re- 
lieved ; convulsions  sometimes  succeed,  and  the  lamb 
seems  much  distressed. 

Remedy. — As  this  disease  proceeds  generally  from  a 
determination  of  the  blood  to  the  brain,  bleeding  must 
be  had  immediate  recourse  to,  and  the  following  pur- 
gative drink  be  afterwards  administered. 

RECIPE  No.  97. 

Epsom  salts,  one  ounce ; 

Elixir  of  vitriol,  half  a dram  ; 

Dissolve  the  salts  in  a little  water,  add  the  elixir,  and  give  it  the 
lamb  at  once. 

After  the  operation  of  the  drink,  the  following  ball 
should  be  given  to  the  lamb,  taking  care  to  keep  it  well 
housed : — 

RECIPE  No.  98. 

Calomel  (’according  to  size  or  strength)  3 to  6 grains  ; 
True  gentian,  in  powder,  half  a dram  ; 

Syrup,  enough  to  make  a ball : 

The  ball,  with  the  pugative  drink,  may  be  given  to  lambs  whenever 
they  are  indisposed,  if  the  complaint  be  not  attended  with  pur- 
ging- 


OF  THE 

DISEASES  OF  SHEEP. 

Sheep,  in  their  digestive  organs,  are  very  similar  to 
the  cow,  except  in  being  more  tender,  and  liable  to  dis- 
order, though  naturally  as  hardy  as  most  other  animals. 
— A wet  soil,  and  moist  atmosphere  are  generally  the 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


179 


exciting  cause  of  disease  in  sheep,  as  in  other  cattle,  and 
a debility  of  the  nervous  system  is  the  predisposing 
cause  : the  nervous  system  becomes  weakened  in  vari- 
ous ways,  such  as  change  of  climate  and  soil,  and  by 
negligence  in  breeding  and  rearing:  the  draining  of 
land,  therefore,  which  has  taken  place  so  extensively  in 
all  parts  of  England,  promises  to  be  of  great  advantage 
in  the  rearing  of  sheep,  by  drying  the  land  and  conse- 
quently preventing  the  mass  of  exhalations  which  mois- 
tened the  atmosphere  around. 

With  respect  to  the  prevention  of  disease  in  sheep, 
the  same  remarks  are  applicable  to  sheep  as  have  been 
used  in  respect  to  neat  cattle ; we  will  therefore  on  this 
head  refer  the  reader  to  that  part  of  our  treatise. 

Red  Water  in  Sheep. 

This  disorder  is  of  the  inflammatory  kind,  and  pre- 
vails niost  at  the  latter  end  of  the  year,  or  during  the 
winter,  among  sheep  feeding  on  turnips,  or  on  succulent 
grass.  It  attacks  those  sheep  first  which  are  in  the 
best  condition  ; and  if  no  relief  be  obtained,  they  gene- 
rally die  in  less  than  twenty-four  hours. 

Cause. — Inflammation  and  consequent  mortification 
of  some  particular  parts  of  the  body,  as  the  kidneys,  or 
other  intestines ; the  inflammation  is  sometimes  consid- 
erably increased  by  the  intestines  becoming  loaded  with 
sand  and  gravel  while  feeding  on  turnips.  Whenever 
this  disease  makes  its  appearance  in  a flock  of  sheep, 
no  time  must  be  lost  in  putting  a stop  to  so  destructive 
a malady,  as  the  loss  is  otherwise  very  considerable. 

Symptoms. — The  sheep  appears  dull,  and  loiters  be- 
hind the  rest  of  the  flock, — the  appetite  diminishes,  and 
the  belly  become  a little  swollen,  as  though  it  had  over- 
gorged  itself. 


180 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


Remedy, — Bleed  the  sheep  as  the  disease  shows  it- 
self, and  then  administer  the  following  medicine : 

RECIPE  No.  99. 

Epsom  salts,  thre%  ounces  ; 

Nitre,  in  powder,  two  ounces  ; 

Pour  a pint  and  a half  of  boiling  water  upon  the  salts,  and  when 
new-milk  warm,  add 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  two  ounces  ; 

Bole  ammoniac,  in  powder,  quarter  of  an  ounce  : 

Mix,  and  shake  them  well  together  at  the  time  of  giving. 

The  dose  is  from  three  to  four  table-spoonsful. 

When  it  is  necessary  to  administer  this  medicine  to 
a number  of  sheep,  they  must  be  removed  from  the 
turnips,  or  whatever  they  are  feeding  on,  and  put  into 
a pen  or  fold  yard  for  an  hour  or  two  before  it  is 
given.  A small  horn,  kept  for  similar  purposes,  should 
have  poured  into  it  the  quantity  proper  for  each  sheep, 
which  should  then  be  given.  This  is  the  best  method 
of  giving  medicine  to  sheep,  where  many  of  them  re- 
quire it  at  one  time.  They  must  be  kept  from  food 
two  hours  after  the  medicine  has  been  given,  either  in 
a fold  yard  or  a pen;  after  that  time  they  may  be 
turned  out  into  a bare  dry  pasture. 

When  this  disease  is  so  severe,  that  several  sheep  die 
daily,  the  medicine  must  be  repeated  every  third  day, 
three  or  four  times,  or  more,  if  necessary : their  diet 
should  also  be  changed,  and  themselves  removed  to  a 
more  dry  and  elevated  situation. 

This  medicine,  if  attended  by  bleeding,  will  be  found 
a powerful  preventive  to  most  inflammatory  complaints, 
which  sheep  are  liable  to,  while  feeding  on  turnips,  or 
in  a luxuriant  pasture. 

Gar  gut  or  Blood,^ 

Is  a complaint  very  similar  to  the  black  leg  in  young 
cattle.  It  is  a dangerous  disorder,  and  so  suddenly 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


181 


fatal,  that  sheep  are  often  found  dead  from  its  attacks, 
without  any  previous  symptoms  having  been  observed. 

Cause, — A plethora,  or  overflowing  of  the  blood,  is 
rnost  commonly  the  origin  of  this  disease,  arising  from 
feeding  on  turnips,  or  succulent  food : it  is  mostly  pre- 
valent in  low  situations,  and  in  woodland  pastures  where 
the  air  is  damp. 

Symptoms. — The  sheep  is  dull  and  languid,  and 
moves  unwillingly;  the  eyes  appear  of  a yellowish  hue 
or  inflamed ; the  animal  is  mostly  unable  to  void  its 
urine,  and  if  it  does,  it  is  tinged  with  blood.  If  no  re- 
lief be  afforded,  a lethargic  dulness  comes  on,  and  the 
sheep  dies  without  a struggle,  in  consequence  of  a mor- 
tification in  different  parts  of  the  body.  In  death,  the 
flesh  is  frequently  discoloured,  and  the  whole  body 
emits  a peculiar  offensive  effluvia. 

Remedy. — The  moment  the  symptoms  of  the  disease 
are  observed,  the  whole  of  the  flock  should  be  bled, 
particularly  the  infected  ones ; the  following  purgative 
should  then  be  administered  and  the  food  changed ; or, 
if  in  pasture,  removed  to  a thinner  bite  of  grass : 

RECIPE  No.  99. 

Epsom  salts,  two  ounces; 

Spirit  of  turpentine,  a tea-spoonful ; 

Powdered  ginger,  a tea-spoonfui : 

Dissolve  the  salts  in  three  ounces  (not  quite  a gill)  of  boiling 

water;  when  new-milk  warm,  add  the  turpentine,  and  give  it. 

Repeat  it  next  day,  if  necessary. 

Hydrocephalus^  or  Giddiness. 

This  disease  is  also  known  by  the  various  appella- 
tions of  Sturdy,  Water  on  the  Head,  Dropsy  of  the  Brain, 
Turnsick,  &c.  It  is  mostly  caused  by  exposure  to  in- 
clement weather  without  shelter,  or  through  feeding  in 
low  marshy  grounds,  where  the  air  is  moist,  which  ob- 


183 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


structs  the  perspiration,  and  by  that  means  produces 
an  increase  of  the  watery  fluid  in  the  mass  of  blood. 
Young  sheep  are  mostly  subject  to  its  attacks. 

Symptoms. — When  a sheep  is  affected  with  this  dis- 
ease, it  appears  stupid,  turns  round  and  round,  and  the 
eyes  seem  frequently  as  though  fixed  in  their  orbits. 
As  the  water  on  the  brain  increases  in  quantity,  the 
sheep  is  more  affected,  the  vision  of  one  or  both 
eyes  becomes  impaired,  or  lost,  the  animal  staggers  on 
one  side,  if  you  drive  it  a short  distance ; different  parts 
of  the  body  is  seized  with  palsy ; and  at  length  it  dies 
quite  emaciated. 

We  have  given  the  above  as  the  most  common  symp- 
toms of  hydrocephalus ; but  the  disease  occasionally 
puts  on  very  diferent  appearances ; for  instance,  un- 
der some  variations  of  the  disease,  the  animal,  when 
hurried  forward,  instead  of  turning  round,  appears 
lame  in  the  hind  quarters, — generally  on  one  side  only, 
and  that  most  commonly,  the  left;  in  this  case,  in  mov- 
ing forward  quickly,  it  goes  nearly  straight ; but  the 
left  hind  quarter  is  so  inclined,  as  to  make  it  appear 
somewhat  crooked.  In  the  early  stages  of  this  disorder, 
the  turning  round  is  not  so  remarkable,  unless  the  ani- 
mal be  hurried  ; but  at  a latter  period,  it  does  it  con- 
stantly in  attempting  to  move  forward,  and  at  last  be- 
comes so  completely  palsied,  that  he  falls  down,  and  is 
unable  to  get  up,  and  in  that  situation  generally  dies. 

Remedy. — The  cure  of  this  disorder  is  difficult,  in- 
deed it  cannot  be  accomplished  but  by  a regular  prac- 
titioner, or  veterinary  surgeon.  The  most  successful 
plan  is  that  performed  in  Dorsetshire,  and  consists  in 
the  operation  of  perforating  the  skull  by  a small  punc- 
ture, and  thereby  discharging  the  water  from  the  brain  ; 
a moderate  dose  of  the  Epsom  or  Glauber  salts  is  then 
given,  and  the  sheep  is  occasionally  bled  in  the  eye 
vein,  or  in  the  neck  vein.  Or  the  recipe  No.  99,  may 
be  administered  after  the  animal  has  been  bled  with 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


183 


good  effect.  If  any  objection  exist  against  the  assist- 
ance of  a good  veterinary  surgeon  being  called  in,  the 
sheep  may  be  bled  in  the  eye  vein,  or  the  neck  vein, 
and  two  ounces  of  Epsom  salts  occasionally  given,  or 
the  recipe  No.  99,  with,  advantage ; and  in  this  case, 
it  will  be  best  to  kill  the  animal  or  send  it  to  market ; 
there  being  nothing,  especially  in  the  early  stuges  of  the 
complaint,  to  operate  in  any  way  to  the  injury  either 
of  the  flavour  or  quality  of  the  flesh,  except  that  the 
animal  daily  wastes  away  under  its  attack. 

Blasts  or  Burstings 

Is  of  the  same  nature  as  the  hoven  in  neat  cattle,  and 
arises  from  a similar  cause,^  namely,  from  overfeeding 
upon  clover,  or  any  other  succulent  food,  or  over  rich 
pasture,  particularly  the  young  shoots  or  blades  of  grass 
in  the  spring  or  autumn  of  the  year. 

Symptoms. — Sheep  affected  in  this  manner,  swell 
almost  to  suffocation,  lie  down  with  their  legs  stretched 
out,  or  stand  still  scarcely  able  to  breathe,  and,  unless 
relieved,  die. 

Remedy. — Some  farmers  stab  their  sheep  in  the  side, 
and  let  out  the  confined  air ; this,  however,  is  a very 
objectionable  mode  of  treatment,  as  every  time  in- 
creases the  danger,  and  the  cure  then  becomes  more 
doubtful.  The  best  method  is,  to  pass  a probang  down 
the  animal’s  throat,  into  the  stomach,  and  the  confined 
air  will  then  rush  out.  The  following  drench,  No.  100, 
should  then  be  administered,  and  the  sheep  moved  about 
a little : as  soon  as  the  complaint  is  a little  relieved, 
remove  the  animal  into  the  barest  pasture,  and  there 
let  it  remain  until  the  digestive  faculty  is  restored.  A 
clyster  may  also  be  given  with  good  effect. 


184 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


RECIPE  No.  100. 


Common  salt, 


one  ounce ; 


Solution  of  potash, 
(as  prepared  for  the 


cords  in  calves) 


one  or  two  tea-apoonsfuJ ; 
two  table-spoonsful ; 
eight  ounces : 


Castor,  or  sweet  oil, 
Water, 


If  the  animal  be  griped,  or  in  much  pain,  thirty  or 
forty  drops  of  laudanum  may  be  added ; or  two  or  three 
tearspoonsful  of  anodyne  carminative  tincture  will  be 
of  service  to  remove  the  pain. 


Catarrh^  or  Cold. 


Extreme  exposure  in  an  inclement  atmosphere,  long- 
continued  rains,  and  sudden  vicissitudes  of  weather, 
are  the  usual  causes  or  origin  of  colds  both  in  sheep 
and  neat  cattle.  Of  these  affections,  catarrh  is  the 
severest,  and  sometimes  destroys  great  numbers  of 
sheep. 

Symptoms. — Heaviness  in  the  animal’s  appearance 
and  movements,  the  eyes  watery,  and  the  nose  runs, 
and  is  almost  glued  up  with  a thick  matter,  which  must 
be  cleaned  away,  or  the  respiration  of  the  breath  will 
be  impeded.  The  complaint  is  accompanied  with  a 
cough ; the  animal  seems  starved,  walks  stiff,  and  eats 
very  little. 

Remedy. — In  severe  cases,  a pint  or  a pint  and  a half 
of  blood  may  be  taken  from  the  neck  vein ; where  the 
symptoms  are  urgent,  this  may  be  repeated  daily  for 
two  or  three  days,  only  reducing  the  quantity  taken 
each  time.  The  following  drink  should  be  given  after 
bleeding : 


RECIPE  No.  101. 


Epsom  salts, 
Nitre, 


one  ounce  and  a half; 
one  dram ; 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


185 


% 


Cummin-seeds,  in  powder,  one  large  tea-spoonful ; 

Treacle,  one  table-spoonful : 

Put  them  into  a pitcher,  pour  upon  them  four  ounces  (or  one  gill) 

^f  boiling  water  ; stir  the  whole  together,  and  give  it  when  new- 

milk  warm. 

Tn  obstinate  cases,  this  drink  may  be  repeated  every 
alternate  day.  The  pasture  should  also  be  changed : 
or  the  food  altered  in  quality  or  quantity. 

Goggles. 

This  is  an  inflammatory  affection  of  the  brain,  origi- 
nating in  an  overflowing  of  the  blood.  Sheep  of  all 
ages  are  equally  liable  to  its  attacks,  especially  after 
being  turned  into  a rich  luxuriant  pasture. 

The  symptoms  vary  much,  according  as  the  brain  is 
more  or  less  affected.  Lambs  seized  with  the.  goggles, 
sometimes  run  about  quite  frantic,  and  continue  doing 
so,  until  exhausted ; they  then  drop  down,  and  are  un- 
able to  rise  again,  from  being  deprived  of  all  use  of 
their  limbs.  In  this  case,  immediate  bleeding  and  a 
removal  to  a bare  pasture,  almost  invariably  effects  the 
cure. 

When  the  substance  of  the  brain  is  more  particularly 
the  seat  of  the  complaint,  the  sheep  becomes  stupid, 
and  loses  the  use  of  one  side,  or  of  the  hind  extremity. 
This  stage  of  the  disease  resembles  that  of  the  advanced 
stage  of  hydrocephalus ; and  must  be  treated  as  such ; 
but  it  is  generally  incurable. 

The  Yellows. 

This  complaint  is  most  prevalent  in  low  situations, 
where  the  grass  is  of  an  indifferent  quality,  and  the  air 
moist.  It  is  often  very  fatal  among  sheep,  and  earries 
off  great  numbers  out  of  a large  flock,  unless  promptly 
attended  to,  and  its  progress  arrested. 

Mr.  Clater,  in  his  treatise  on  cattle  medicine,  gives  a 
case  oiydlows  in  which  he  was  called  in  to  assist : — I 

Q 2 


186  farmer’s  and  grazier’s 

attended,”  says  he,  “ two  flocks  that  w^ere  seized  with 
this  complaint,  soon  after  being  turned  into  a fresh 
luxuriant  pasture ; the  one  on  red  clover,  and  the  other 
on  rape.  Hero  they  began  to  thrive,  but  numbers  of 
the  sheep  were  soon  attacked  with  the  yellows  from 
the  nature  of  the  food,  and  for  want  of  proper  exercise 
in  obtaining  it:  many  of  them  died.  The  disease,  how- 
ever, instantly  disappeared  when  proper  remedies  were 
prescribed,  and  their  exercise  increased.” 

Symptoms. — The  white  of  the  eyes,  the  mouth,  and 
other  parts  of  the  body  become  tinged  with  a yellowish 
hue.  The  animal  appears  dull;  and,  as  the  disease 
advances,  has  a very  great  aversion  to  move  ; its  urine 
is  also  of  a dark  colour. 

Cure. — The  affected  sheep  must  immediately  be 
tnrned  into  a barer  pasture,  or  have  a less  quantity  of 
the  food  upon  which  they  were  feeding,  given  in  a bare 
field,  and  dispersed  or  laid  at  moderate  distances,  so 
that  the  animal  necessarily  employs  some  exercise  to 
obtain  it : the  sheep,  then,  as  well  as  the  whole  of  the 
flock,  should  be  bled,  and  a mild  purgative,  (as  No. 
102)  administered.  To  render  the  cure  more  com- 
plete, let  the  cordial  drink  (No.  91)  be  given,  after  the 
above  has  operated. 

HEGIPE  No.  102. 

Epsom  salts,  an  ounce  and  a half ; 

Ginger,  powdered,  a large  tea-spoonful; 

Elixir  of  vitriol,  a small  tea-spoonful. 

Pour  a quarter  of  a pint  of  boiling  water  on  them,  and,  when  ncw- 
milk  warm,  give  it. 

Ihe  Rot, 

Called  also  the  Blain,  or  Bane,  is  the  most  fatal  dis- 
ease to  which  sheep  are  subject ; it  has  carried  off  vast 
numbers,  and  has  occupied  general  attention.  It  is 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


187 


now  generally  considered  as  an  hereditary  malady ; 
that  is,  the  disposition  or  liability  to  the  disease  is  he- 
reditary, and  consists  simply  of  constitutional  debility. 
This  disposition,  is  however,  so  necessary  a condition  to 
the  formation  of  the  disease,  that  many  veterinary  sur- 
geons consider  that,  were  the  system  not  thus  predis- 
posed, the  exciting  causes,  which  ar^  cold  and  moisture, 
would  not  produce  the  rot,  but  merely  cause  catarrh, 
or  cold.  It  is,  therefore,  absolutely  essential,  that  in 
the  choice  of  sheep  for  breeding  stock,  they  should  be 
selected  from  flocks  which  have  not  been  visited  by 
this  pestilential  disease. 

Watery  meadows  being  the  most  productive  source 
of  the  rot,  the  sheep  should  be  removed  to  the  more  ele- 
varted  parts  of  the  land;  and  when  the  disease  is  ob- 
served to  be  coming  on,  to  a more  elevated  situation  ; 
and  if  there  be  good  pasture,  and  the  sheep  be  mode- 
rately well  attended  to,  a cure  will  apparently  be  ef- 
fected : we  say  apparently,  for  all  the  best  cattle  doc- 
tors, and  writers  on  the  Subject  agree  on  this  point,  that 
it  never  will  be  eradicated  from  the  system ; but  re- 
main in  a latent  state  in  the  constitution,  till  a similar 
exciting  cause  again  brings  it  forward  in  a more  fatal 
form.  Two  things  are  therefore  essentialjwith  respect 
to  sheep  which  have  been  affected  with  the  rot ; the 
first  is,  that  on  no  account  should  those  be  put  up  to 
breed,  in  which  the  disease  has  positively  appeared ; 
and  the  second  is,  to  kill  the  sheep  as  soon  as  its  recovery 
is  so  far  attained,  as  to  be  in  a fit  state  for  food. 

Dr.  Harrison,  a well-known  writer  on  cattle  medi- 
cine, has  given  to  the  world  a description  of  the  rot,  so 
accurate,  that  nothing  can  be  added  to  it.  He  says — 

“ When  in  warm,  sultry,  and  rainy  weather,  sheep 
that  are  grazing  on  low  and  moist  lands  feed  rapidly, 
and  some  of  them  die  suddenly,  there  is  reason  to  fear 
they  have  contracted  the  Rot. 

‘‘  This  suspicion  will  be  further  increased,  if,  a few 
weeks  afterwards,  the  sheep  begin  to  shrink,  and  be- 
come flaccid  in  their  loins.  By  pressure  about  the 


188 


farmer’s  ai^o  orazier’s 


hips,  at  this  time,  a crackling  is  perceptible  ; now,  or 
soon  afterwards,  the  countenance  looks  pale,  and  upon 
parting  the  fleece,  the  skin  is  found  to  have  changed  its 
Vermillion  tint  for  a pale  red,  and  the  wool  is  easily- 
separated  from  the  pelt  (skin). 

“ As  the  disorder  advances,  the  skin  becomes  dap- 
pled with  yellow  or  black  spots.  About  this  time,  the 
eyes  lose  their  lustre,  arid  become  white  and  pearly. 
To  this  succeed  debility  and  emaciation,  which  increase 
continually  until  the  shep  die : or  else,  ascites^  and  per- 
haps general  dropsy,  supervenes  before  the  fatal  termi- 
,nation. 

‘‘ Thse  symptoms  are  rendered  more  severe  by  an 
obstinate  purging,  which  comes  on  at  an  uncertain  pe- 
riod of  the  disorder.  In  the  progress  of  the  complaiht, 
sheep  become  what  the  graziers  call  checkered^  that  is, 
affected  with  a swelling  under  the  chin,  which  proceeds 
from  a fluid  in  the  cellular  membrane  under  the 
throat. 

“ In  five  or  six  days  after  contracting  the  rot,  the  thin 
edge  of  the  stnall  lobe  of  the  liver  becomes  of  a trans- 
parent white,  or  blueish  colour,  and  this  spreads  along 
the  upper  and  lower  sides,  according  to  the  severity  of 
the  complaint.  In  severe  cases,  the  whole  peritonaeum 
investing  the  liver  is  diseased,  and  then  it  commonly 
assumes  an  opaque  colour,  interspersed  with  red  dark 
lines  or  patches. 

“ When  the  first  stage  of  the  disease  is  over,  flukes 
begin  to  appear  in  and  about  the  common  duct  of  the 
liver,  and  in  the  gall-bladder.  At  first,  their  number 
is  small ; but  as  the  disease  advances,  they  increase ; 
and,  before  death,  become  very  numerous.  In  the  last 
stage  of  the  disease  they  are  often  to  be  found  in  the 
stomach,  as  well  as  in  the  bowels  and  liver,  and  may 
produce  either  inflammation,  or  dropsy ; or  both  these 
disorders.  It  sometimes  goes  ofT,  on  change  of  pasture, 
and  sometimes  terminates  in  abscess,  or  in  hard  indo- 
lent tumours. 

“ When  rot  produces  abscesses  in  the  liver,  or  lungs. 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


189 


the  animal  generally  lingers  for  some  time;  and  at  last 
dies  of  consumption.  The  most  common  termination 
of  this  disease,  is  in  schirri,  or,  what  shepherds  call, 
knots  in  the  liver ; and  the  first  attack  is,  unfortunate- 
ly, so  very  insidious,  that  the  disorder  is  scarcely  ob- 
servable before  the  animal  begins  to  waste  and  lose 
flesh.” 

Remedy. — Clater,  the  author  of  a work  on  cattle 
medicine,  gives  the  following  remedy,  and  directions  for 
subduing  and  arresting  the  progress  of  this  fatal  disease  ; 
he  says,  farmers,  whose  lands  lie  in  a low  situation,  and 
whose  flocks  are  subject  to  this  disease,  will  find  the 
recipe  of  infinite  value : 

RECIPE  No.  103. 

Nitre,  in  powder,  six  ounces  : 

Ginger,  fresh  powdered,  four  ounces  ; 

Colcothar  of  vitriol,  fine  powder,  two  ounces  ; 

Common  salt,  three  pounds  and  a half; 

Boiling  water,  three  gallons. 

Pour  the  water  hot  upon  the'ingredients. — Stir  them,  and  when 
new-milk  warm,  divide  it  into  bottles,  each  holding  more  than 
one  quart,  a quart  of  the  mixture  being  the  quantity  to  be  put 
into  each  bottle  ; to  each  of  which  bottles  must  now  be  added, 
three  ounces  of  spirit  of  turpentine. 

It  must  always  be  well  shaken  when  given  to  the 
sheep. 

To  administer  it  with  proper  effect,  the  following  di- 
rections must  be  strictly  attended  to  : 

Keep  the  infected  sheep  from  food  all  night ; on  the 
following  morning  give  to  each  sheep  two  ounces,  or 
two  table  spoonsful  of  the  above  mixture  ; remembering 
first  to  shake  the  bottle  v)ell  the  moment  before  pouring  it 
out.  To  those  which  are  weak  and  much  reduced  by 
the  disease,  one  half,  or  three  parts  out  of  four  may  be 
sufficient  for  a dose.  Keep  them  from  food  three  hours 
after  giving  the  medicine,  and  then  turn  them  into  a 
dry  pasture. 


190 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


It  will  be  necessary  to  repeat  the  medicine  every 
fourth  day  for  three  times,  observing  the  same  rules. 
But  where  only  half  the  quantity  has  been  given,  it 
will  be  proper  to  repeat  it  every  second  or  third  day 
for  six  times. 

Every  shepherd  should  be  provided  with  a small 
horn,  containing  a proper  dose  : this  will  save  conside- 
rable time  and  trouble,  particularly  when  it  is  neces- 
sary to  give  the  drink  to  a number  of  sheep  at  the  same 
time. 

Sheep  take  salt  readily,  and  if  a little  was  occasion- 
ally given  them,  or  mixed  with  their  food,  it  would  per- 
haps tend  greatly  to  prevent  the  visitation  or  recurrence 
this  disease ; but  a greater  source  of  prevention  will 
be  found  in  keeping  sheep  in  more  elevated  situations, 
where  the  bite  is  not  so  luxuriant,  but  where  there  is 
ample  food  for  all  the  sheep  disposed  to  search  for  it, 
and  in  not  exposing  them  too  much  in  very  damp  cold 
weather  to  the  influence  of  the  atmosphere. — The 
draining  of  land,  now  become  so  universal,  has  in  this 
respect  done  much  towards  eradicating  this  pestilential 
disease ; and  conduces  materially  to  the  preservation 
of  the  health  of  sheep,  as  well  of  every  other  kind  of 
animal. 

The  following  recipe  will  be  found  very  useful  in 
cases  of  rot. 


RECIPE  No.  104. 


Tar, 

Oil  of  turpentine, 
Salad  oil, 


four  ounces  ; 
four  ounces ; 
one  pint ; 


This  may  be  given  in  the  same  manner,  and  the  ani- 
mal should  be  treated  in  the  way  as  is  directed  for  ad- 
ministering recipe  No.  103. 


The  Scab^  or  Ray. 


This  disease  is  very  common  in  several  parts  of  the 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


191 


kingdom,  particularly  in  Nottinghamshire,  and  is  very 
contagious ; for  if  one  sheep  be  infected,  it  will  quick- 
ly communicate  to  the  rest  of  the  flock,  and  it  takes 
considerable  trouble  to  eradicate  it.  A cautious  atten- 
tion should  therefore  be  used  in  introducing  fresh  sheep 
into  the  flock,  lest  any  of  them  should  be  infected  with 
this  pestiferous  complaint. 

Symptoms, — The  scab  is  well  known,  and  the  symp- 
toms so  decisive,  as  to  be  very  readily  told.  It  is  first 
discovered  by  the  animals  rubbing  themselves  against 
every  post,  gate,  bank,  or  other  similar  place,  and  they 
are  frequently  seen  to  pull  the  wood  off  with  their 
mouths. 

The  scab  is  a disease  which  at  first  only  afTects  the 
skin  with  a scabby  eruption  ; it  is,  however,  necessary 
to  remove  it,  or  the  system  will  become  affected,  and, 
unless  care  be  taken,  the  sheep  will  fall  a victim. 

Remedy, — The  following  ointment  is  confidently  re- 
commended as  being  very  superior  to  tobacco-water, 
or  any  of  the  usual  washes,  particularly  as  it  not  only 
cures  the  disorder,  but  also  promotes  the  health  of  the 
animal,  and  encourages  the  free  growth  of  the  wool. 


RECIPE  No.  105. 


Mercury  (or  quicksilver), 
Venice  turpentine, 

Spirit  of  turpentine. 


four  ounces ; 
two  ounces; 
half  an  ounce ; 


Work  them  well  together  in  a marble  mortar,  until  the  mercury  is 
thoroughly  incorporated,  which  may  be  complete  in  about  five  or 
six  hours  ; then  take  two  pounds  and  a quarter  of  hog’s  lard, 
melt  it  over  a slow  fire,  and  when  new-inilk  warm,  add  it  to 
quicksilver,  and  keep  it  constantly  stirring  until  it  grows  stiflT. 

It  may  appear  to  many,  that  the  labour  of  preparing 
this  ointment  is  very  considerable,  but  it  is  essential,  as 
the  good  effects  expected  by  its  application  wholly  de- 
pend on  the  perfect  unison  of  the  quicksilver  with  the 
oher  i ngredients 


192 


farjier’s  and  grazier’s 


It  is  necessary  to  be  very  cautious  in  using  this  oint- 
ment, as  a want  of  the  proper  knowledge  of  administer- 
ing it  may  place  the  life  of  the  animal  in  danger. — One 
pound  is  sufficient  to  dress  seven  sheep ; and,  if  but 
slightly  infected,  it  will  suffice  for  ten. 

The  ointment  should  be  of  a moderate  consistency, 
so  as  to  spread  freely  ; if  too  stiff,  it  will  be  difficult  to 
rub  it  on  the  part  affected ; if  too  thin,  it  will  run,  and 
not  do  the  service  intended.  This  may  be  regulated 
by  the  following  means:  if  in  summer,  leave  out  half 
a pound  of  the  lard,  and  substitute  the  same  quantity 
of  black  resin  ; dissolve  it  in  the  lard,  and  add  it  to  the 
mercury : this  will  stiffen  it  to  the  requisite  consis- 
tency. 

In  using  this  ointment,  divide  the  wool  on  the  back 
from  the  head  to  the  tail,  so  as  to  expose  the  skin  ; then 
rub  a small  quantity  of  the  ointment  upon  the  skin, 
from  head  to  tail ; now  divide  the  wool  on  each  side, 
and  rub  the  remaining  portion  of  the  ointment  well  in. 
If  the  shoulders  or  thighs  of  the  sheep  be  affected,  they 
should  be  particularly  attended  to,  and  well  rubbed  in. 

The  most  proper  time  for  dressing  sheep  in  this  man- 
ner, is  about  Michaelmas,  or  any  time  in  October,  pre- 
ferring dry  weather  for  the  purpose  ; they  should  not 
be  dressed  too  early  in  the  spring,  when  they  have 
been  neglected  in  autumn,  but  should  first  be  allowed 
to  gather  a little  strength. 

Sheep  Lice  and  Ticks. 

When  sheep  are  not  in  a thriving  state,  or  are  kept 
in  poor  condition,  they-  are  then  very  liable  to  these 
vermin  : *they  are  of  great  detriment  to  the  sheep,  pre- 
venting them  from  thriving,  and  cause  them  to  injure 
their  fleeces,  by  rubbing  their  wool  off  against  fences, 
or  tearing  it  off  with  their  mouths. 

Remedy. — The  recipe  No.  105,  for  the  mercurial 
ointment,  is  the  best  that  can  be  prescribed  for  this 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


19 


filthy  pest ; as  it  not  only  effectually  kills  the  vermin  . 
but  it  also  enters  into  the  system,  and  purifies  the  blood. 
One  pound  of  ointment  is  sufficient  for  ten  sheep. 

7b  prevent  the  Fly. 

In  warm,  summer  weather,  sheep  are  often  sadly 
teazed  with  flies ; and  their  annoyance  gives  them  so 
much  trouble,  at  times,  as  to  cause  them  to  run  against 
hedges  or  into  ditches,  or  dykes,  and  injure  their  con- 
dition, by  preventing  them  feeding  when  they  ought  to 
make  good  progress. 

Many  remedies  for  the  prevention  of  this  annoyance 
have  been  recommended ; and  as  far  as  it  is  practicable 
for  any  one  to  be  successful,  the  following  may  be  de- 
pended upon : 

RECIPE  No.  106. 

White  lead,  in  fine  powder,  eight  ounces  \ 

Flowers  of  sulphur  ditto,  eight  ounces  ; 

White  arsenic,  ditto,  eight  ounces : 

Mix  them  well  together  in  a marble  mortar  for  use. 

This  quantity  of  powder  will  be  sufficient  for  a flock 
of  thirty  sheep.  To  ascertain  the  proper  quantity  of 
each,  divide  it  into  equal  parts,  and  paper  each  by  it- 
self; by  which  means  you  will  apportiona  proper  share 
to  each  sheep. 

In  using  it,  let  one  person  take  hold  of  the  sheep  by 
the  head,  and  another  have  a packet  of  the  above  pow- 
ders, put  into  a pepper-box,  held  in  the  right  hand,  with 
a stick  in  the  left.  Draw  the  stick  gently  from  head 
to  tail,  and  with  the  other  hand  dust  on  the  powders 
close  after  the  stick.  The  use  of  the  stick  in  this  ap- 
plication is,  that  it  presses  down  the  wool  while  the 
powders  are  dusted  on,  and  as  the  wool  rises,  it  shakes 
and  spreads  the  powders.  Then  sprinkle  a small  quan- 
tity oi  water  from  head  to  tail,  and  draw  the  stick  back- 

R 


194 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


wards  and  forwards  two  or  three  times,  to  make  the 
powder  adhere  to  the  wool. 

To  those  who  object  to  the  use  of  arsenic,  the  follow- 
ing will  be  equally  serviceable,  but  it  will  require  at 
least  double  the  quantity  to  effect  the  same  purpose: — 

RECIPE  No.  107. 

White  lead,  in  fine  powder,  eight  ounces ; 

Flowers  of  sulphur,  ditto,  eight  ounces ; 

White  hellebore,  ditto,  eight  ounces ; 

Mix  these  well  together  in  a marble  mortar,  then  add  a quarter  of  an 
ounce  of  the  essential  oil  of  worm-wood,  and  rub  it  well  on  the 
powders.  , 

Sore  Heads. 

Sheep  that  run  in  lanes  or  woody  districts,  particu- 
larly in  summer,  are  very  liable  to  sore  heads,  through 
striking  or  rubbing  them  either  against  any  butting 
object,  or  with  their  hinder  feet,  when  pestered  by  the 
flies ; a wound  is  thus  made,  which  being  aggravated 
by  the  same  cause  which  produced  it,  soon  becomes 
dangerous,  unless  a remedy  be  applied. 

Oil  of  hartshorn,  oil  of  coal,  spirits  of  tar,  and  many 
other  similar  things,  have  been  used,  and  with  various 
success. — Preparations  of  tar  have  been  found  useful. 
— The  following  ointment,  will  be  found  in  all  cases  to 
produce  the  desired  cure  : — 

RECIPE  No.  108. 

Black  pitch,  one  pound  ; 

Tar,  eight  ounces  ; 

Black  brimstone,  or  native  sulphur,  in  ) 

fine  powder,  ) eight  ounces  : 

Put  these  ingredients  in  an  iron  pot ; just  give  them  a boil  over  a 
slow  fire,  and  as  soon  as  the  sulphur  begins  to  unite  with  the 
rest  of  the  ingredients,  instantly  take  the  whole  off  the  Jire^  or  it  will 
swelU  and  run  overinie  the  flames, 

There  are  two  ways  of  applying  this  ointment,  or 


COMPLETE  GUIDE., 


195 


plaister,  either  of  which  will  produce  the  desired  re- 
sult:— the  first  way,  is,  perhaps,  the  best. 

Procure,  or  make  of  any  kind  of  soft  leather,  or  of 
strong  brown  paper,  caps  of  proper  shape  for  laying  on 
the  head  of  the  sheep,  a cap  for  each  sheep.  When 
the  ointment  is  melted,  spread  it  thickly  with  a small 
paint-brush  on  the  cap,  and  apply  it  to  the  head. 
Evening  is  the  best  time  to  do  this,  as  there  is  then  less 
chance  of  knocking  them  off ; and,  by  the  morning,  the 
caps  are  generally  set  fast  on  the  head. 

Or, — having  melted  the  ointment,  and  taken  it  from 
the  fire,  stir  it  about  till  new-milk  warm,  then  spread  it 
on  the  sore  part  of  the  head,  either  with  a wooden 
spoon,  or  a spatula;  and  immediately  apply  a little 
short  wool  upon  it,  in  the  same  manner  as  when  a 
charge  is  applied  to  any  part  about  a horse. 

In  very  hot  weather,  this  ointment  is  apt  to  be  too 
thin  to  adhere  to  the  wound : in  this  case  about  four  or 
six  ounces  of  black  resin  added  to  the  other  ingredients, 
will  give  it  the  desired  consistency. 

Maggots. 

Sheep,  in  summer,  are  mostly  subject  to  these  ver- 
min ; most  shepherds  understand  the  symptoms  which 
take  place,  when  the  fly  has  struck  the  sheep;  but  as 
our  book  is  equally  intended  for  the  information  of  those 
who  do  not,  as  for  those  who  do,  we  shall  give  the  symp- 
toms in  this  case  as  well  as  in  all  others. 

Symptoms. — As  soon  as  the  maggots  make  their  ap- 
pearance on  any  part  of  a sheep’s  body,  the  wool  on  that 
part  becomes  moist,  or  wet ; the  sheep  holds  down  its 
head,  shakes  its  tail,  and  runs  about  from  place  to 
place : and  if  permitted  to  continue  a few^  days  in  this 
state,  must  unavoidably  fall  a victim  to  these  kind  of 
vermin. 

Remedy. — The  mercurial  ointment.  No.  105,  page 


196 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


191,  may  be  used  generally  with  good  effect  for  the 
maggot  ; but  the  following  mixture  will  be  found  good 
even  in  the  worst  of  cases,  while  in  point  of  cheapness 
it  is  decidedly  preferable  to  all  others  — 


RECIPE  No.  109. 


Mercurial  sublimate,  in  powder, 
Spirit  of  sea-salt, 

Boiling  water. 


one  ounce ; 
one  ounce  ; 
three  quarts. 


Mix  these  together  in  a stone  bottle ; and,  when  cold,  add  spirit  of 
turpentine,  one  pint : 

Mix,  and  they  are  ready  for  use.  Shake  il  well  every  time  this  mix- 
hire  is  used^  ' 

The  best  method  of  using  this  mixture  is  as  follows : 
shake  the  bottle  w^ell,  and  instantly  fill  a quart  wine 
bottle  with  it,  before  the  turpentine  can  separate  from 
the  other  ingredients;  cork  the  bottle  up,  make  a hole 
through  the  middle  of  the  cork,  and  through  the  hole 
pass  a goose-quill  open  at  both  ends. — By  this  simple 
contrivance,  you  may  at  any  time  force  out  a sufficient 
quantity  on  the  affected  part,  without  waste. — If  an 
ounce  of  assafoetida  be  put  into  the  quart  bottle  with 
the  mixture,  it  will  prove  the  means  of  preventing  the 
fly  from  again  striking  the  same  part. 


The  FooUHalt^  and  Foot-Rot^ 


Have  by  many  persons  been  considered  as  two  sepa- 
rate diseases ; but  are,  in  fact,  the  two  stages  of  the 
same  disorder,  the  foot-halt  being  the  first  stage ; and 
the  foot-rot  the  second,  or  confirmed  stage.  It  is  dis- 
covered by  the  animal  walking  lame,  and  must  be  soon 
relieved,  or  its  cure  becomes  a slow  and  tedious  process. 

Remedy. — Let  the  infected  sheep  be  taken  from  the 
pasture,  and  put  into  a dry  fold-yard,  after  it  has  stood 
here  about  one  hour,  take  a brush,  similar  to  that  used 
for  cleaning  teeth,  and  brush  all  the  dirt  from  between 
the  claws ; then  dip  a wooden  skewer  into  butter  of  an- 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


197 


timony,  oil  of  vitriol,  aquafortis,  or  spirits  of  salt,  and 
with  either  of  these  anoint  the  diseased  part  all  over ; 
and  let  them  stand  dry  for  one  hour.  If  properly  done, 
and  taken  in  good  time,  one  dressing  will  generally  be 
found  sufficient. — Butter  of  antimony  is  the  most  pow- 
erful of  these  ingredients,  and  seems  to  have  the  best 
effect  in  the  greatest  number  of  cases.  A second  dress- 
ing is  rarely  required,  except  proud  flesh  has  formed ; 
in  which  case  the  wound  must  be  dressed  every  third 
day,  till  healed. 

If  the  disease  be  not  checked  by  these  means,  but 
gets  evidently  worse,  and  large  excrescences,  or  super- 
fluous flesh,  grow  out  betwixt  the  claws,  the  proper 
way  then  to  proceed  will  be  to  cut  it  out  with  a sharp 
knife,  taking  care  to  cut  out  only  the  superfluous  parts. 
The  operator  before  he  begins  must  be  provided  with 
the  following  essentials,  viz. — pledgets  of  tow,  old  linen, 
a piece  of  tape,  and  the  following  powders. 

RECIPE  No.  110. 


Blue  vitriol,  in  fine  powder, 
White  vitriol,  ditto. 

Alum,  ditto. 

Bole  armoniac,  ditto. 


half  an  ounce  ; 
halt*  an  ounce ; 
half  an  ounce  ; 
half  an  ounce : 


Mix  them  together,  and  they  are  ready  for  use. 

Dress  the  wound  or  place  whence  the  proud  flesh 
was  taken,  with  the  above  powders,  by  covering  it 
quite  thick  therewith ; secure  them  on  properly  with 
the  tow,  old  linen,  and  tape.  This  will  stop  the  bleed- 
ing, and  prevent  the  proud  flesh  rssing.  This  dressing 
should  be  repeated  every  other  day  for  three  or  four 
times.  Before  either  a dressing  or  operation  is  per- 
formed, always  cleanse  the  foot  free  from  dirt. 

Wounds. 

Sheep  are  occasionally  wounded,  though  not  so  often 
so  as  are  neat  cattle ; dogs  worry  them,  particularly  in 


198 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


the  vicinity  of  large  towns.  The  following  mixture 
should  be  kept  ready  made ; it  will  be  found  very  ser- 
viceable in  all  such  cases ; and  is  particularly  useful  for 
ewes  that  may  be  torn  or  hurt  during  the  yeaning  sea- 
son. It  is  also  proper  for  all  kinds  of  bruises  in  horses 
and  neat  cattle.  The  parts  affected  should  be  well 
rubbed  once  a day,  taking  care  to  cleanse  them  from 
all  impurities  before  the  mixture  is  applied. 

RECIFE  No.  111. 

Linseed  oil,  one  pint ; 

Oil  of  vitriol,  two  ounces ; 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  four  ounces ; 

Oil  of  organum,  one  ounce  ; 

Compound  tincture  of  myrrh,  four  ounces. 

This  mixture  must  be  carefully  made  as  follows  : 

First,  put  about  one-fourth  of  the  linseed  oil  in  a glazed  pipkin, 
and  add  to  it  by  degrees,  keeping  it  constantly  stirred  till  rnixed^  the 
oil  of  vitriol ; then  add  by  a little  at  a time,  still  keeping  it  stirred^ 
the  spirits  of  turpentine,  and  afterwards  the  remainder  of  the  lin- 
seed oil : lastly,  add  the  organum  and  tincture  ; mix  well,  bottle  it, 
and  it  is  ready  for  use. 

It  is  a valuable  mixture,  and  will  effectually  prevent 
gangrene,  or  put  a stop  to  mortification. 

Diseased  Eyes^  or  Blindness. 

Whole  flocks  are  sometimes  affected  in  the  eyes, — 
the  disease  may  therefore,  in  some  measure,  be  consi- 
dered as  an  epidemic  : it  is,  however,  brought  on  by 
fatigue  and  subsequent  exposure  in  a damp  or  bleak 
situation.  It  prevails  mostly  in  the  north  of  England ; 
and  generally  first  attacks  those  in  the  best  condition. 
The  principal  inducing  cause,  or  that  which  may  be 
said  to  predispose  the  animal  to  the  complaint,  is  a re- 
dundancy of  blood  in  the  system  generally,  but  particu- 
larly so  in  the  head. 

Cure, — Bleed  below  the  eye,  and  then  give  the  fol- 
lowing purgative  drink : 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


199 


RECIPE  No.  112. 


Epsom  salts, 
Ginger,  powdered. 
Treacle, 


two  ounces ; 

one  large  tea-spoonful ; 

one  large  table-spoonful ; 


Pour  a quarter  of  a pint  of  boiling  water  upon  these  ingredients  in 
a pitcher ; stir  the  whole  well  together,  and  give  it  when  new- 
milk  warm. 

This,  by  removing  the  cause  of  the  disease,  will  very 
soon  cure  the  eye  itself : as,  however,  a considerable 
degree  of  inflammation  sometimes  affects  the  eyes,  the 
following  powders  will  be  found  useful. 


RECIPE  No.  113. 


Sal-ammoniac,  powdered. 
Lump  sugar,  ditto. 
Lapis  calammaris,  ditto. 


two  drams ; 
two  drams; 
two  drams. 


Mix  them  well  together^  and  put  them  in  a bottle,  which  keep  closely 

corked  for  use. 

There  are  several  ways  of  applying  these  powders, 
but  either  will  answer : some  put  a small  quantity  on  a 
sixpence ; and  while  another  holds  the  eye  open,  the 
powders  are  gently  blown  in,,  and  the  head  held  for  a 
minute  or  two.  Others  mix  four  ounces  of  rose-water 
with  the  powders,  and  pour  a small  quantity  into  each 
eye  ; while  others  mix  them  with  honey  of  roses,  and 
with  a feather  anoint  the  eye  therewith. 


Debilihj  and  Indigestion. 


From  several  causes,  as  over-driving,  worrying  by 
dogs,  or  overloading  their  stomachs,  sheep  are,  in  sum- 
mer, frequently  attacked  with  the  primary  symptoms 
of  inflammation,  debility  and  indigestion  : if  the  attack 
be  that  of  debility  merely,  the  following,  being  af  warm 
and  stimulating  medicine,  will  restore  nature  to  the 
exercise  of  her  proper  functions  : but  if  indigestion  ac- 
company it,  and  particularly  if  inflammatory  symptoms 


200 


farmer’s  and  grazier’s 


appear,  bleeding  must  be  had  recource  to,  in  addition 
to  the  following  draught. 


RECIPE  No. 

Aniseeds,  fresh  powdered, 
Carraway-seeds,  ditto, 
Peruvian  bark,  ditto. 
Ginger,  ditto, 

Treacle,  (or  sugar) 

Gin, 

Mix,  and  give  it  in  a liltl 


114. 

one  dram  ; 
one  dram  ; 
half  a dram; 
half  a dram  ; 
half  a tabie-spoonful; 
one  table-spoonful. 

i warm  water. 


Repeat  it,  if  necessary,  even  twice  in  a day. 


Inflammation. 

When  from  either  of  the  causes  mentioned  in  the 
previous  disease,  inflammmation  either  of  the  heart, 
the  lungs,  or  the  intestines,  has  actually  taken  place,  as 
will  often  be  the  case  when  the  animal  is  fat  and  driven 
a considerable  distance,  a more  active  medicine  should 
be  applied  to,  and  the  sheep  should  be  plentifully  bled 
in  the  neck,  or  below  or  above  the  eye,  as  may  be  most 
likely  to  touch  the  seat  of  the  disease  ; afterwards,  the 
draught  No.  112  should  be  given,  and  repeated  the 
next  day,  if  necessary. 

Diarrhoea.^  or  Scouring. 

This  disease  often  attacks  sheep  in  the  spring  season, 
and  proceeds  from  eating  the  rich  young  springing  grass, 
when  perhaps  they  have  been  scantily,  and  even  badly 
kept  during  the  winter.  When  this  is  the  case,  re- 
move those  into  a bare  pasture,  and  bring  them  by  de- 
grees to  the  better.  This  generally  cures  the  disorder : 
but  to  accelerate  the  recovery  of  the  animal,  give  it 
the  following  mixture  daily,  for  one  or  two  successive 
days. 

RECIPE  No.  115. 


Peruvian  bark,  in  powder, 


one  dram  ; 


COMPLETE  GUIDE. 


201 


Root  of  ginger,  ditto. 
Prepared  chalk,  ditto. 
Brandy,  (or  gin) 


one  dram ; 
one  dram : 
one  table-spoonful : 


Mix,  and  give  it  in  a little  warm  gruel ; and,  if  the  disease  be  verv 
severe,  add  a tea-spoonful  of  tincture  of  opium. 

Inflammation  in  the  Udder  of  Ewes. 

Ewes  at  the  time  of  yeaning  are  very  subject  to  this 
complaint,  which  is  the  same  as  the  downfal  among 
the  cows : being  kept  too  well  before  the  time,  will 
often  induce  an  inflammatory  state  of  the  udder : if 
cold  be  then  taken,  one  or  more  quarters  of  the  udder 
becomes  swollen  and  tender,  and  the  milk  is  then  curd- 
led and  diminished  in  quantity. 

At  the  time  of  yeaning,  ewes  should  have  their  ud- 
ders carefully  examined;  if  the  milk  pass  freely  on 
pressure  of  the  finger  and  thumb,  all  is  safe  ; but  if  the 
udder  be  sore  and  tumefied,  and  the  milk  altered  in  co- 
lour and  smell,  there  is  danger : the  inflammation  must 
be  speedily  reduced,  or  the  affected  quarter  will  be 
lost. 

Remedy, — First  take  about  a pint  of  blood  away 
from  the  ewe,  and  give  her  the  draught  No.  112  ; then 
draw  away  all  the  milk  you  can,  rub  the  parts  affected 
v)ell  two  or  three  times  a day  with  the  following  oil : — 


RECIPE  No.  116. 


Linseed  oil. 

Spirits  of  turpentine. 
Spirits  of  sal-ammoniac. 


four  ounces ; 
half  an  ounce ; 
one  ounce  ; 


Mix  them  in  a bottle  for  use. 


If,  however,  the  tumefaction  should  increase,  and 
suppuration  ensue,  it  will  be  necessary  to  open  the  part 
with  a lancet, — and  dress  the  wound  with  the  ointment 
No.  77  ; but  this  should  only  be  done  by  some  persons 
well  acquainted  with  the  process ; or  the  most  danger- 
ous results  may  occur. 


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